Today is Gold Bow Day (Thyroid Awareness).
“Statistics show 1 million Australians have an undiagnosed thyroid disorder.” – The Thyroid Foundation, 2020.
What is the thyroid gland and what does it do?
According to the Thyroid Foundation (2020), the thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck below the voice box or Adam’s Apple, and consists of two lobes located either side of the windpipe.
The thyroid hormone regulates body and brain growth and development, body temperature, energy levels and metabolic functions.
Hypothyroidism:
If the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone, this is known as Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). According to healthdirect.gov.au (2020), somebody with Hypothyroidism may experience the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Unable to tolerate the cold
- Weight gain
- Puffy and pale face
- Brittle hair and nails, thinning hair
- Dry, cool skin
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Poor attention span or memory
- Slow heart rate
- Heavier than normal periods
- Depression
Hyperthyroidism:
According to the Thyroid Foundation (2020), if the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, it is known as Hyperthyroidism where symptoms may include the following (Mayoclinic.org.au, 2020):
- Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stays the same or increases
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Pounding of your heart (palpitations)
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
- Sweating
- Changes in menstrual patterns
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
- An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
- Fatigue, muscle weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Skin thinning
- Fine, brittle hair
Thyroid issues ARE treatable and you do not have to live with the symptoms.
It is advised you seek medical advice from your GP if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and NOT ASSUME you have thyroid issues. However, it doesn’t hurt to mention you have been educated on the topic!
Gold Bow Day symbolises support for Thyroid Cancer in Australia. If you’d like to donate, click here – https://thyroidfoundation.org.au/Donate