Hypothyroidism is often misunderstood. It can also be misdiagnosed. It is definitely under-diagnosed. Many of us don't know what it is. So, what are the facts? I'll give you some. This list is by no means comprehensive and many of these facts will be further explained in upcoming articles on this site (if they haven't been already).
About the Thyroid & Endocrine System: (These facts will be true regardless of what thyroid dysfunction you encounter.)
- The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front, lower part of the neck.
- It weighs about one-ounce and is also larger in men than in women.
- The thyroid produces two major hormones. They are T3, or triiodythyronine and T4, thyroxine.
- This gland is part of the endocrine system.
- A healthy thyroid has about 80% of T4 (thyroxine) to 20% of T3 (triiodythyronine).
- Thyroid hormones are produced when the mineral iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine.
- T4 (thyroxine) helps control metabolism by converting oxygen and calories into energy.
- T3 (triiodothyronine) causes the same effect in the body as T4, but it is more potent and shorter in duration.
- The body can make extra T3 by releasing one iodine molecule in T4. This process is called mono-deiodination.
- The endocrine system is regulatory. It controls processes like growth, reproduction and metabolism. It is often used to define the internal organs and hormones.
- Metabolism describes the process where the body converts food into energy to feed the cells and keep us alive.
- Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism to ensure that the body is functioning properly.
Hypothyroidism-Specific Facts & Stats:
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not make or release enough thyroid hormone for the body to metabolize food properly.
- About 13 million Americans have this condition and at least another 10 million more are undiagnosed.
- Hypothyroidism affects women more often than men at about a 7:1 ratio.
- Hormonal changes such as those encountered during pregnancy and menopause can trigger this condition.
- Over 10% of the elderly population has this condition. 1 in 5 elderly females have a thyroid dysfunction and most of them are hypothyroid.
- Some symptoms of this condition include: increased or irregular menstrual flow, depression, sensitivity to cold, brittle hair and nails, fatigue, memory impairment and fertility problems.
- Synthroid, which is a synthetic version of the T4 (thyroxine) hormone, is the most commonly prescribed medication to treat hypothyroidism in the US. It's produced by Abbott Laboratories.
- This condition is often confused with depression, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
- Those who are hypothyroid are at a greater risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic pain disorders and autoimmune dysfunctions.
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