Thyroid Health Awareness
Brought to you by Senior Extra at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda
PUNTA GORDA, FL (January 13, 2014) –
The basics about thyroid disease
Your thyroid gland may be small, but it plays a big role in your health. Located just above your collarbone, this important endocrine gland produces hormones that ensure proper functioning of your brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. Thyroid hormones regulate your physical energy, temperature, weight, and mood — every aspect of your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones.
Thyroid disorders are common in the elderly, and symptoms are often masked by other coexisting conditions or medications. According to the American Thyroid Association, 60 percent of people with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Undiagnosed, thyroid disease may increase the risk of developing serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
To ensure you’re aware of potential symptoms that can signal thyroid problems, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda’s Senior Extra program would like to share basic information about thyroid disease.
Types of thyroid disease
Thyroid disease occurs when the gland functions improperly, such as not producing enough thyroid hormone — known as hypothyroidism — or producing too much, called hyperthyroidism. Thyroid complications can also occur when there’s abnormal growth or nodules, which are lumps that form within your thyroid. These are common and don’t usually cause serious health problems.
Thyroid cancer, which is much less common than benign nodules, is highly treatable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the cure rate for thyroid cancer is greater than 90 percent.
Being familiar with the most common thyroid disease symptoms can help alert you to changes that you should discuss with your doctor. If problems occur, it’s important to seek treatment to minimize further complications.
Hypothyroidism
Often, hypothyroidism doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but left untreated, symptoms become more noticeable and worsen. Symptoms can include:
- Low energy and impaired thinking.
- Depression and weight gain.
- Muscle weakness, pain or stiffness.
- Joint pain, stiffness or swelling.
- Constipation.
- Increased sensitivity to cold or numbness.
- Dry skin, and brittle fingernails and hair.
- Facial swelling.
Hyperthyroidism
Older adults are more likely to have no — or very subtle — symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Additionally, medications to treat high blood pressure, or beta blockers, may mask the signs of hyperthyroidism. The most common symptoms experienced by older adults include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms, such as a rapid heartbeat.
- Fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight loss.
- Difficulty tolerating heat and increased sweating.
- Frequent bowel movements.
- Heart failure.
“Although the causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown, there is a strong hereditary component, and thyroid disease is more common in women than men," said Thomas Noone, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “Those at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism include women over 60, people who have — or are closely related to someone who has — autoimmune disease, or anyone who has received treatment for hyperthyroidism or head or neck cancer. In the U.S., Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.”
If someone in your family has a thyroid condition, talk with your doctor about how this may affect your health. Being aware of potential symptoms can help identify problems at the earliest stages and can help prevent further complications.
True or False: Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are caused by an iodine deficiency and are treated with iodine supplementation.
False. Although severe iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, it's rare in the U.S. since iodine is commonly added to salt (iodized salt) and other foods. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with a synthetic thyroid hormone, not iodine supplements.
About Bayfront Health Punta Gorda
Located in Punta Gorda, Bayfront Health Punta Gorda (formerly Charlotte Regional Medical Center) is a full-service hospital dedicated to abiding by the mission of: Caring professionals dedicated to serving our community. Founded in 1947, 208-bed Bayfront Health Punta Gorda is Joint Commission Accredited and an award-winning hospital, with stroke services, orthopedics and respiratory programs earning national distinction. At Bayfront Health, we are united to bring state-of-the-art care to Florida's Gulf communities. To learn more, visit: www.BayfrontPuntaGorda.com.
About Bayfront Health Port Charlotte
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte (formerly Peace River Regional Medical Center) is a 254-bed Joint Commission Accredited full service hospital that is more than a provider of medical excellence; it is where people come to be cared for and cared about. With expert physicians and staff in cardiovascular services, orthopedics and spine, emergency care, and women’s services and through strategic partnerships with All Children’s Specialists-Johns Hopkins Medicine, Florida Advanced Cardiothoracic (FACT) Surgery, and now Bayfront Health, we are united to bring state-of-the-art care to Florida's Gulf communities. To learn more, visit: www.BayfrontPortCharlotte.com.
About Senior Extra
Ever-changing advancements in health care allow us to live longer and improve our overall health. Providing the latest information about health advancements through monthly seminars and events is just one facet of Senior Extra. To sign up for a free membership, visit www.SeniorExtra.com.
Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.
