National Thyroid Awareness Month

Raising awareness about the thyroid is essential because it plays a very significant role in the human body. Now is the time to be examined and tested by your doctor.

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According to a study made by the American Thyroid Association, 1 in 10 people suffer from a thyroid disorder.

According to a study made by the American Thyroid Association, 1 in 10 people suffer from a thyroid disorder. The study also found that at least 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime. Also, more than half of the people in the U.S. who suffer from a thyroid disorder are undiagnosed. January is the time to be examined and tested by your doctor.

Thyroid disease refers to conditions that affect how the gland functions. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located just above your collarbone and in front of the windpipe. This gland controls essential functions such as regulating breathing, heart rate, body weight, muscle strength, cholesterol, metabolism, menstrual cycle, and body temperature. The thyroid can be either overactive or underactive, and both conditions can lead to health problems.

Common thyroid diseases

Thyroid problems happen when the gland produces too much or not enough hormones. If the thyroid makes too much hormone, it is called hyperthyroidism. If the thyroid doesn’t create enough hormones, it is hypothyroidism. You should be familiar with other thyroid conditions:

Graves’ disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder, is the most typical form of hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland’s swelling causes goiter to a larger size.
A thyroid nodule is an unhealthy growth in thyroid cells, forming a lump within the gland, which can lead to thyroid cancer.

What is hyperthyroidism?

This condition is also known as overactive thyroid disease, and it occurs when your thyroid gland produces excess levels of thyroxine. This hormone controls and regulates several metabolic and digestive processes in your body. Additionally, this type of thyroid disease significantly increases your body’s metabolism, digestion, heart rate, muscle works, and bone strength, eventually causing rapid weight loss and an irregular heartbeat.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism means having an under-active thyroid. Contrary to hyperthyroidism, this condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Some of the effects of hypothyroidism’s deficiency of thyroid hormones are disruption of the heart rate, increased body temperature, and slow down in all aspects of metabolism. Significant symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain.

Thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer begins when cells grow and multiply rapidly near the thyroid area. These malignant cells form tumors, and the abnormal cells can eventually spread throughout the body. In most cases, there are no early symptoms. However, as the cells grow, they may cause a small lump in the neck, swollen lymph glands, voice changes, and difficulty swallowing. Most cases of thyroid cancer can be cured and treated with surgery to remove the affected area or, in some cases, all of the thyroids. Medications are needed to provide necessary hormones that the thyroid is no longer supplied.

Thyroid Awareness Month

Thyroid awareness month can be observed through these actions:

Thyroid neck check

Get a small mirror and a glass of water. Hold the mirror in your hand and focus on the lower front area of the neck, just above the collarbone and below the larynx. This spot is where your thyroid gland is located. While focusing on this area, tip your head back, take a sip, swallow, and look at your neck. Check for any bulges or protrusions. If you see any lumps, they may be an enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid nodule. If you see any bumps, see your doctor.

Encourage friends and family to get tested

If a friend or family member has told you they feel cold often, have trouble sleeping, or have difficulty swallowing, suggest they ask their doctor about thyroid dysfunction. It might be insignificant, but testing could help them find treatment quicker if necessary.

Donate

You may know someone who has been (or will be) impacted by thyroid dysfunction, even if you have not been directly affected. Celebrate your good health by donating to one of the many research or treatment institutions. All of those in need will greatly appreciate your support.

At Signature Health services, our commitment is to the overall health of our community. That’s why we encourage everybody to take serious notice of any distinctive signs or symptoms regarding their thyroid gland or any other health concern.

Our registered nurses are dedicated to our patient’s care and will be happy to assist you with any need. So please, feel free to call us at any time.

The primary purpose of this movement is to increase awareness of thyroid diseases and prevention and the different types of treatment and cures. Raising awareness is key to helping people recognize the symptoms of thyroid problems. With better and efficient attention, people will know when to talk to their doctors about testing and treatment.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact your physician, and with the help of Signature Health Services, we can provide you with the best home health care.

Call Signature 24/7 at 800-277-8291 for excellence in skilled and compassionate home health care.