The burden of thyroid disease in the general population is enormous. As many as 50% of people in the community have microscopic nodules, 3.5% have occult papillary carcinoma, 15% have palpable goitres, 10% demonstrate an abnormal TSH level and 5% of women have overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Despite this high prevalance of thyroid disease, screening for these disorders is not recommended by any major health agency.
Wang C, Crapo LM. The epidemiology of thyroid disease and implications for screening.
Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 1997 Mar 26(1):189-218
Do you still have ongoing symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, depression, weight gain or inability to lose weight, constipation, bloating, dry skin and hair, hair loss, palpitations, cold hands and feet or reduced exercise tolerance – despite being diagnosed with a thyroid problem and/or given medication?
Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) is very common and unfortunately not always diagnosed because the right testing isn’t done nor interpreted correctly.
The majority of cases are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). The standard test (TSH) used worldwide to detect thyroid problems is unfortunately insufficient to diagnose thyroid problems. It can take several years of having hypothyroid symptoms before the TSH even changes. Hence many patients suffer needlessly for months and years. Many patients get diagnosed once the relevant tests are done and interpreted correctly. Hence they are able to commence on appropriate management and treatment to help improve their condition.
There is now substantial evidence that lifestyle factors including nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress management and environmental toxins all have an impact on thryoid function. Hence, addressing these can also help to improve Hashimoto’s. In addition, there are also many evidence based complementary therapies that can help too.
Dr Amy’s first book, Slow butterfly; how healing your thyroid transforms everything” discusses healing hypothyroidism/Hashimoto’s from an integrative medicine perspective.