Thyroid disease
Widely under-diagnosed and under-treated condition
Thyroid disorders are among the most prevalent diseases in the world. Hypothyroidism, the most common condition, has reached epidemic proportions. Epidemiological data suggest that more than 200 million people worldwide suffer from hypothyroidism, and that only 20% of this population is currently receiving treatment.
- Thyroid hormones affect growth, development and many cellular processes – thus, insufficient levels of thyroid hormones can have widespread consequences for the body.
- Iodine (mostly available from the dietary intake of seafood, bread and iodized salt) is used to produce thyroid hormones by the body.
- The two most important hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
- T3 is produced from T4 as needed.
- The thyroid is regulated by the pituitary gland, which pilots thyroid hormone production with a special hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).
- If too few thyroid hormones are produced (hypothyroidism), the pituitary stimulates production by increasing TSH.
- If too many hormones are in the bloodstream (hyperthyroidism), the pituitary shuts down production by decreasing TSH.
- Hypothyroidism, the most common thyroid disorder, refers to any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal.
- Hypothyroidism increases with age and is more common in women than in men.
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism are in many cases subtle and non-specific, tending to mimic the symptoms of other conditions. They are often attributed to “normal” aging. The majority of patient complaints are related to a slowing of the body’s metabolism: slow heartbeat, puffy skin and brittle hair, weight gain, constipation and fatigue.
- Once diagnosed, hormone replacement therapy, usually life-long, is required to treat hypothyroidism.
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