Before patients can even access all the help available, they must first recognize the symptoms of the problem.
For women age 35 and older, a thyroid malfunction can cause a windfall of health woes, many of which are mistakenly attributed to another cause. An estimated 30 percent of this demographic is affected by a thyroid on the fritz. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, half of these women suffer in silence because they aren’t even aware of the cause. Thirty million Americans have problems with a wonky thyroid.
Women are 10 times more likely than men to have thyroid issues, according to integrative medicine specialist Robin Miller, M.D. and co-author of The Smart Woman’s Guide to Midlife and Beyond. But there is no reason to be tormented by an unruly thyroid. There are many treatments available.
How the Thyroid Works
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck above the Adam’s apple. It exerts a dramatic effect on different bodily functions, including body temperature, metabolism and heartbeat. Thyroid hormones course through the blood to help the organs work. The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, which checks the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. The thyroid uses iodine from food, mainly seafood and dairy products, as well as salt, to produce the thyroid hormone.
Doing nothing and letting thyroid problems go untreated can lead to dire consequences, including heart problems and mental health issues.