Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, cancer of the thyroid, goiters and autoimmune thyroid problems are prevalent today. Untreated these diseases create havoc in the body. But just who is affected by thyroid problems and are there certain people who have a higher risk?
Thyroid Problems Can Affect Everyone
Thyroid disorders can affect men, women and children. They can attack the young, the old and those in the prime of life. According to the American Thyroid Association approximately half of the people who have thyroid problems do not even know it.
Because the symptoms of thyroid problems can appear to be symptoms of other illnesses, the thyroid often goes untested and overlooked. Tiredness, for example, is one of the main symptoms of an underactive thyroid. But obviously this symptom can be an indicator of many other health issues as well.
But there are certain groups of people who are more susceptible to thyroid disorders than others.
Women
Women are much more prone to thyroid disorders than men, up to eight times more likely according to one study done. But again because the symptoms involved can be the same as for other problems, thyroid disorders are often misdiagnosed.
Many times women who are feeling tired and run down are told that it is just “hormones” and will go away. Or that it is pre-menopause or just in their head. It may be hormones, the lack of them that is, that are causing the problem instead of “female” problems.
Pregnant or post-partum women are more likely to develop thyroid problems than at other times in their lives. Pregnancy, menopause and puberty are often when thyroid problems begin in many women. But these problems often go undiagnosed for years.
History of Autoimmune Problems
If your family has a history of thyroid disease then there is a greater risk involved. Those whose family members have had autoimmune problems are at an increased risk as well. Autoimmune problems such as diabetes, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and pernicious anemia can tie into a greater risk of thyroid problems.
You may want to have your thyroid checked on a regular basis of there is a pattern for any type of serious autoimmune problem in your family.
Others at Risk
If you have been exposed to radiation or an extreme amount of x-rays you could be at risk. The thyroid is very sensitive to radiation. When receiving head or dental x-ray ask for a thyroid collar to prevent exposure.
The Elderly
Thyroid problems are also more common in the elderly. Women over fifty and men over sixty should have their thyroid tested if they are showing any signs of thyroid-related problems.
Men & Children
While thyroid disorders are less common in men and children, it can happen. With children it is especially important to catch the problem early on because it can affect their growth if left untreated.
Babies are occasionally born with thyroid problems and need to be treated right away for good mental health as well as physical.
Thyroid Problems Can Affect Everyone
Thyroid disorders can affect men, women and children. They can attack the young, the old and those in the prime of life. According to the American Thyroid Association approximately half of the people who have thyroid problems do not even know it.
Because the symptoms of thyroid problems can appear to be symptoms of other illnesses, the thyroid often goes untested and overlooked. Tiredness, for example, is one of the main symptoms of an underactive thyroid. But obviously this symptom can be an indicator of many other health issues as well.
But there are certain groups of people who are more susceptible to thyroid disorders than others.
Women
Women are much more prone to thyroid disorders than men, up to eight times more likely according to one study done. But again because the symptoms involved can be the same as for other problems, thyroid disorders are often misdiagnosed.
Many times women who are feeling tired and run down are told that it is just “hormones” and will go away. Or that it is pre-menopause or just in their head. It may be hormones, the lack of them that is, that are causing the problem instead of “female” problems.
Pregnant or post-partum women are more likely to develop thyroid problems than at other times in their lives. Pregnancy, menopause and puberty are often when thyroid problems begin in many women. But these problems often go undiagnosed for years.
History of Autoimmune Problems
If your family has a history of thyroid disease then there is a greater risk involved. Those whose family members have had autoimmune problems are at an increased risk as well. Autoimmune problems such as diabetes, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and pernicious anemia can tie into a greater risk of thyroid problems.
You may want to have your thyroid checked on a regular basis of there is a pattern for any type of serious autoimmune problem in your family.
Others at Risk
If you have been exposed to radiation or an extreme amount of x-rays you could be at risk. The thyroid is very sensitive to radiation. When receiving head or dental x-ray ask for a thyroid collar to prevent exposure.
The Elderly
Thyroid problems are also more common in the elderly. Women over fifty and men over sixty should have their thyroid tested if they are showing any signs of thyroid-related problems.
Men & Children
While thyroid disorders are less common in men and children, it can happen. With children it is especially important to catch the problem early on because it can affect their growth if left untreated.
Babies are occasionally born with thyroid problems and need to be treated right away for good mental health as well as physical.
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