It is estimated that 13 million Americans have thyroid disorders.  Women are five to eight times more likely than men to suffer from an overactive or underactive thyroid. 

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid and affects 11 million Americans.  Mild hypothyroidism has few symptoms, but left untreated, the following symptoms begin to surface:

• fatigue
• dry, coarse skin and hair
• mood swings
• hoarse voice
• forgetfulness
• weight gain
• difficulty swallowing
• intolerance to cold

The treatment plan is to restore normal blood levels of thyroid hormone by replacing missing hormone through supplements.  These supplements are generally taken for life. 

Hyperthyroidism

A less common thyroid disorder is hyperthyroidism, occurring when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone.  It is more common in women in their 30s and 40s.  The most common form is Graves’ disease, the illness that affected Olympic athlete Gail Devers and former First Lady Barbara Bush.  Possible signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• irritability/nervousness
• sleep disturbances
• muscle weakness/tremors
• enlarged thyroid (goiter)
• irregular menstrual periods
• heat intolerance
• weight loss
• vision problems or eye irritation

The treatment for hyperthyroidism is not as simple as for hypothyroidism. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the amount of thyroid hormone produced needs to be reduced.  Radioactive iodine treatment is a common treatment in which the overactive thyroid is disabled and reduced in size.  Thyroid surgery is another option for treatment and involves removal of part or all of the gland.  The thyroid levels must be carefully monitored throughout a lifetime to ensure they are receiving the proper dosage of thyroid medication.

If properly treated, patients with thyroid disorders lead normal, active lives.  But, if untreated, these disorders can affect the cardiovascular system, reproductive system and major organs.