About 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Because some early symptoms are easily ignored or mistaken for signs of anxiety disorders or aging, millions of cases of thyroid disease remain undiagnosed. The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians recommends you visit your family physician if you haven t been feeling like yourself or display symptoms of thyroid problems, no matter how subtle they may be. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland just below the Adam s apple. This gland plays a very important role in controlling the body s metabolism.
Women are four times as likely as men to develop thyroid problems.
Hyperthyroidism is 10 times more frequent in women, affecting about 2 percent of all women in the United States, according to The Thyroid Society. As with any disease, it is important that you watch for early warning signs and visit your family physician. A simple blood test can diagnose thyroid disorders allowing your family physician to prescribe the right course of medication. The Ohio Academy of Family Physicians is a statewide professional association with more than 4,100 members, including practicing physicians, family practice residents and medical students. The scope of family practice encompasses all ages, both sexes, and every disease entity.