More common in women

Although very common, thyroid disorders can be tough to spot and are often misunderstood, writes LISA SALMON

THYROID disorders are believed to affect around one in 20 people in the UK, yet because the symptoms – such as weight changes, depression and fatigue – can often be vague (or overlap with other conditions), it’s not uncommon for thyroid disorders to go undetected for a long time.

“The only way to be sure you have a thyroid condition is with blood tests, as the symptoms can be quite vague and aren’t specific,” says Dr Steven Hurel, a consultant endocrinologist at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK (hcahealthcareuk.co.uk).

Here, he joins the British Thyroid Foundation (BTF; btf-thyroid.org) to outline 20 important points about the thyroid gland and thyroid disorders...

1

Where is the thyroid?

DR Hurel explains that the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland lies at the front of the neck and is part of the endocrine system (the system responsible for producing hormones).

2

What does it do?

THE thyroid produces the hormones T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine) that regulate the body’s metabolic rate as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, mood, and bone maintenance.

3

Screening for thyroid issues

TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain, and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce both hormones. Measuring TSH is used as a screening method for thyroid problems. If thyroid function fails, TSH rises – and if the thyroid stops producing enough thyroxine, then the TSH rises further and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) develops.

4

ALTHOUGH both women and men can develop thyroid conditions, they’re more common in women.

OVERSLEEPING during winter can also make you feel sluggish.

It might be tempting to hibernate when it’s cold outside, but try to get into some healthy bedtime habits. Aim for eight, undisturbed hours of sleep per night. Avoid screens an hour before slumber and cut down on caffeine in the evenings.

WHEN you’re running on low energy, the last thing you probably want to do is throw yourself onto a spin bike, but a healthy dose of morning exercise can release a burst of feel-good endorphins. Exercise in the late afternoon may also help to reduce fatigue, and improve sleep.

INSTEAD of reaching for a cup of coffee, try to naturally boost your energy with nutritious foods. Avoid gorging on sugary treats for a pick-me-up too; you’ll feel great initially, but they’ll give you a high that ends in a crash.

Eating oats in the morning will top up your B vitamins, which help convert your food into energy, and will provide a source of slow-release carbs, so you’ll feel fuller for longer.

A portion of lunchtime salmon can provide antiinflammatory omega-3 to keep the brain alert.

If your tiredness persists for an extended period of time, you should talk to your GP.

Testing is vital to a positive diagnosis

5

Family history can count

THYROID problems often run in families, so if one of your close blood relatives has been diagnosed, you might be more likely to develop a thyroid disorder too – although this is not always the case.

6

Have you got hypothyroidism?

HYPOTHYROIDISM symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, dry skin, brittle hair, weight gain, a hoarse voice, constipation, lower libido, muscle weakness, heavier periods, a puffy