World Thyroid Day is a global healthcare event celebrated on May 25th every year. The purpose of World Thyroid Day is to spread education, awareness and recognition of the burden of thyroid disease, the experience of patient with thyroid disease, as well as all of those nationally and internationally that are committed to the study and treatment of thyroid disease.
It is estimated that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Thyroid disease often goes unnoticed, with up to 60% of those with thyroid disease remaining unaware of it. Women are 5 to 8 times more likely to develop thyroid disease than men.
Worldwide, thyroid diseases affect an estimated 200 million people. It is also estimated 40% of the world’s population is at risk of iodine deficiency, which is a nutrient that is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
On May 25, the American Thyroid Association (ATA), in cooperation with the European Thyroid Association, the Asia-Oceania Thyroid Association and the Latin American Thyroid Society, will make an extraordinary effort to focus attention on the thyroid, which causes such widespread “disease” throughout the globe.
What is the Thyroid? Where is it, and what does it do?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. It’s a part of your endocrine system (which is a network of many glands that create and release hormones.). The main job of your thyroid is to control the speed of your metabolism (metabolic rate), which is the process of how your body transforms the food you consume into energy. All of the cells in your body need energy to function. In addition, the thyroid and thyroid hormones impact your heart rate, breathing, digestion, body temperature, brain development, mental activity, skin and bone maintenance, and fertility. When the thyroid and its hormones are off, it can make someone feel pretty lousy.
Why it is important to get tested and prioritize your Thyroid Health
With more than 60% of people having undiagnosed thyroid conditions, it is important to shed light on thyroid education and testing. The thyroid is often not looked at as seriously as it should be, and many people experience life-limiting symptoms without answers. The great news is that a quick and easy preventative thyroid test is available at here. It is a quick, easy, discreet and affordable at-home blood sample test to assess your TSH, which is a thyroid hormone that can help determine the risk of thyroid conditions. The test provides results based on a Positive/Higher or Negative/Normal basis. Positive results can then be used to request a secondary test and further medical advice from your licensed provider. As World Thyroid Day is here, test your thyroid today!
