Thyroid Awareness Month

By Kacey Flores, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Coastal Gateway Health Center

  January is National Thyroid Awareness Month! 

  January is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the thyroid gland and thyroid health.  The thyroid is often described as a small organ that can make big impacts on a person’s health and overall wellbeing.  There are an estimated 20 million people in the United States that are living with thyroid disease.  The scary part is that half of them do not know it.  This is why it is important to know the symptoms of thyroid disease and to spot them early. 

  The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped organ found in the middle of your lower neck, it produces thyroid hormones, which influence all the cells, tissues, and organs in your body.  That influence regulates processes in your body, such as:

• Heart function
• Metabolism
• Body temperature
• Skin and bone maintenance
• Digestion
• Muscle function
• Brain development

  There are several types of thyroid diseases, but the main thyroid disorders include: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Thyroiditis, Goiter, and Thyroid Cancer.  Thyroid hormones influence every part of your body function and thyroid disease can cause many symptoms, that may include changes in energy levels, changes in mood and mental health, digestion issues or problems, unexplained weight changes, menstrual cycle changes, temperature sensitivity, and changes in skin, hair, and nails.   

  Why is Thyroid Awareness Month important?

• Provides education and importance of the thyroid gland
• Encourages screening and testing for thyroid issues or disease
• Promotes early treatment

  If you have concerns about your thyroid health, it is important that you schedule an appointment with your primary care provider for an exam and further testing. 

  Coastal Gateway Health Center can be reached by phone at 409.296.4444 or by email at [email protected].  For more information regarding our services and programs, please visit our website at www.coastalgatewayhc.org or find and follow us on Facebook.  We are proud to be #yourcommunityhealthcenter.