Victoria’s Read

About 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease.
Thyroid disorders for the most part are treatable; however, untreated thyroid disease can produce serious results in other parts of the body.

The thyroid gland is a small gland at the base of the neck. It weighs only about 25 grams. However, the hormones it secretes are essential to all growth and metabolism. The gland is a regulator of all body functions.

In Canada thyroid disorders are estimated to affect one in twenty. Most thyroid disorders are 5-7 times more common in women.

There are many types of thyroid disease. However, the main conditions present in most thyroid illnesses are Hypothyroidism (thyroid underactivity) and Hyperthyroidism (thyroid overactivity).

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions include:

Hypothyroidism
-weak slow heart beat
-muscular weakness and constant fatigue
-sensitivity to cold
-thick puffy skin
-slowed mental processes and poor memory
-constipation
-goitre

Hyperthyroidism
-rapid forceful heartbeat
-tremor
-muscular weakness
-weight loss in spite of increased appetite
-restlessness, anxiety and sleeplessness
-profuse sweating and heat intolerance
-diarrhea
-eye changes
-goitre

Each person’s experience of thyroid illness differs depending on a number of factors; a patient will not necessarily have all the above symptoms. A physician should be consulted if thyroid illness is suspected.

There may be emotional reactions to thyroid illness. Hyperthyroid patients often feel unusually nervous or irritable. Hypothyroid patients can feel unusual fatigue or depression. It is important for thyroid patients and their families to understand that these reactions are common and likely to resolve with treatment. It is also important to realize that some thyroid disorders develop very gradually. Since symptoms may not be easily recognized at first, subtle reactions in emotions or behaviour may be the only visible signs of thyroid disorder in the beginning stages.

Thyroid patients require life-long monitoring. Patients who believe they have been completely cured of their thyroid illness should discuss the need for follow-up with their family physicians or thyroid specialists.