Know the Warning Signs of a Thyroid Problem

What are the risk factors for thyroid disease?

Thyroid conditions can occur in people of any age, gender or ethnic background. However, certain factors may put you at increased risk. Risk factors include:

• Are female. According to the ATA, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
• Are over the age of 60.
• Have a family history of thyroid disease.
• Previously underwent radiation therapy or a thyroidectomy (partial removal of the thyroid).
• Take a medication high in iodine.

Certain medical conditions increase risk, including:

• Lupus
• Primary adrenal insufficiency
• Pernicious anemia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Turner syndrome
• Type 1 diabetes

What are the causes of thyroid disease?

Thyroid disease can be caused by other diseases that affect the thyroid. These diseases include:

• Congenital non-functioning thyroid gland
• Graves’ disease
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Iodine deficiency or surplus
• Nodules (growths) in the thyroid
• Postpartum thyroiditis
• Thyroiditis (swelling of the thyroid gland)

What are the types of thyroid disease?

There are two main types of thyroid disease:

• Hyperthyroidism. The thyroid produces too many hormones.
• Hypothyroidism. The thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones.

“Both thyroid diseases can be inherited,” said Dr. Peña. “You need to be aware of the warning signs if someone in your family has thyroid disease and you are at an increased risk for developing a thyroid condition.”

What are the signs of hyperthyroidism?

When your thyroid is producing too many hormones, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Fast heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Feeling of nervousness, anxiety or irritability
• Unintentional weight loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Enlarged thyroid that can be felt on the neck
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular or stopped menstrual periods (in females)
• Problems with vision or eye irritation

What are the signs of hypothyroidism?

When your thyroid is producing too little hormones, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Dry, coarse hair
• Fatigue
• Frequent, heavy menstrual periods (in females)
• Trouble with memory
• Unable to tolerate cold temperatures
• Voice changes, such as hoarseness
• Weight gain

Find care at Catholic Health

Call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362) to find a Catholic Health physician near you.