January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. It is estimated that more than 30 million Americans have thyroid dysfunction, yet at least half of these cases are undiagnosed and, consequently, untreated.
The thyroid gland may be small; however, it comes with a major impact. The thyroid gland produces hormones which influence how all other cells, tissues, and organs function. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent the progression of disease and any additional health problems.
Rita Nwajei, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, MSPH, joined UTMB's Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism in League City in February 2023. She has become accustomed to managing several thyroid disorders; however, she states the majority of her patients present with symptoms or diagnosis of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Although thyroid dysfunction can have hundreds of possible symptoms, the aforementioned thyroid disorders usually include fatigue, unintended, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, thin hair, cold intolerance.
Nwajei encourages all her patients to regularly visit with their primary care provider for preventative thyroid screening, to aim at early detection. In thyroid disease, oftentimes symptoms are very general and can be caused by a variety of other ailments. Nwajei says it is also important to rule out any other potential causes when trying to diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
“From an Endocrinology standpoint, when we have a patient complaining of hypothyroidism, we assess their symptoms and look at the Free T4 and TSH. Since TSH levels are always fluctuating, we rely more on the range of the more stable Free T4 levels when diagnosing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism,” she says.
If screening is abnormal, quick treatment should be initiated.
While you cannot prevent the majority of thyroid disorders, there are thyroid-friendly steps to assist your thyroid in working as well as possible. Some of these can include limiting highly processed foods, getting enough iron and fiber in your diet, and consider taking a selenium supplement.
We thank Rita Nwajei for helping to raise awareness of thyroid disorders and for the excellent care she provides for our patients at UTMB!
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