Did you know that 30 million Americans have a thyroid disorder, yet only half are diagnosed? Learn the signs, risks, and importance of thyroid health awareness
Courtesy of Blackdoctor.org
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 30 million Americans have some sort of thyroid disorder, but only half have actually been diagnosed, which means there are a lot of people walking around with thyroid issues and they don’t even know it.
What Does Your Thyroid Do?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck. It produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play crucial roles in regulating various bodily functions.
Functions of Thyroid Hormones:
- Metabolism: Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolic rate, influencing how efficiently cells use energy.
- Growth and Development: T4 and T3 are essential for proper growth and development, especially in the brain, nervous system, and skeletal system.
- Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Thyroid hormones regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular function.
- Body Temperature: They help maintain body temperature by stimulating heat production.
- Muscle Function: Thyroid hormones influence muscle strength and metabolism.
- Nervous System Function: T4 and T3 are involved in cognitive function, mood, and sleep.
- Bone Health: Thyroid hormones promote bone growth and mineralization.
In addition, the thyroid gland also produces a hormone called calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.
Thyroid Disease + African Americans: The Deadly Connection
African Americans, particularly women, have higher rates of Graves’ disease and an increased risk of aggressive anaplastic thyroid cancer compared to other racial groups. While they have higher rates of hyperthyroidism, there isn’t a significant difference in hypothyroidism prevalence. Disparities also exist in care, with Black patients often diagnosed at a later disease stage and having a higher rate of post-surgery complications, such as neck hematomas and recurrent laryngeal nerve damage.
Why Blacks Have a Higher Risk
Graves’ Disease:
This is an autoimmune condition causing hyperthyroidism and is more common in African Americans, especially women, than in other groups.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer:
African Americans are at a higher risk for this aggressive form of thyroid cancer.
Hyperthyroidism:
African Americans have a higher likelihood of developing hyperthyroidism, while there’s no significant difference in the prevalence of hypothyroidism between Black and White individuals.
Later-Stage Diagnosis:
Thyroid tumors, including cancerous ones, are often found at a more advanced stage in Black communities.
Increased Surgical Complications:
Black patients undergoing thyroid surgery have a higher rate of complications, including:
Neck hematomas (blood pooling):
Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to hoarseness or vocal cord dysfunction.
Advanced Disease at Surgery:
Black patients are more likely to have surgery for advanced-stage diseases, which increases complication risks.
Less Experienced Surgeons:
There may also be a tendency for Black patients to be treated by surgeons with less experience in performing thyroid surgery.
7 Signs You Need Your Thyroid Checked
When it isn’t functioning properly, it can negatively affect your mood, weight and put you at higher risk for serious illnesses like heart disease.
Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormone and hyperthyroidism is where too much of the hormone is produced.
Symptoms that something may be off with your thyroid can mimic every day, seemingly non-threatening conditions. Here are seven easy to overlook signs that you should have your thyroid tested:
1. Muscle/joint pain
Aches and pains in your muscles and joints, and also weakness in your arms could be signs that your thyroid isn’t functioning properly.
2. Neck discomfort/swelling
If you notice swelling in your neck and/or that your voice is hoarser than usual, then you may have a goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland, which is also a symptom of thyroid disease.
3. Dry skin/unexplained hair loss
Hair loss is a common symptom that’s associated with thyroid issues along with dry, rough, scaly skin. With hypothyroidism, skin may thicken; with hyperthyroidism, skin may become fragile and thin.
4. Menstrual irregularities
Are your periods heavier, more frequent and more painful than usual? Or, are they the exact opposite? Either way, this could be a sign of hypothyroidism (heavier) or hyperthyroidism (lighter).
5. Weight issues
Have you been working super hard – eating right and exercising regularly – to lose weight, but you still haven’t been able to shed a single pound? Inability to lose or gain weight is one of the most common signs of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
6. Cholesterol issues
High cholesterol or unusually low cholesterol levels are strong indicators that there’s an issue with your thyroid.
7. Fatigue
Do you still feel tired even after getting eight or more hours of uninterrupted sleep? Your thyroid might be to blame. Additionally, depression and anxiety could be symptoms of thyroid disease.
As common as these symptoms may seem, if you are experiencing any of these for an extended period of time, it is wise to see your doctor.
Courtesy of Blackdoctor.org
How to Treat Thyroid Disease
Treatment for thyroid disease depends on the type of condition and the cause. The goal is to return your thyroid hormone levels to a healthy range.
If you have hyperthyroidism, treatment options include:
Antithyroid drugs (methimazole and propylthiouracil): These medications stop your thyroid from making hormones.
Radioiodine (radioactive iodine) therapy: This treatment damages the cells of your thyroid, preventing it from making high levels of thyroid hormone.
Beta-blockers: These medications don’t affect your thyroid, but they help manage some symptoms, like rapid heart rate.
Surgery: For a more permanent form of treatment, your healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing your thyroid (thyroidectomy). This will stop it from creating hormones. However, you’ll need to take synthetic (manufactured) thyroid replacement hormones (pills) for the rest of your life.
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