More than 13 million Americans have thyroid disorders and more than half of them aren't even aware of it. Are you one of them? Women are five to six times more likely to suffer from thyroid disorders and approximately one in eight women will develop a thyroid problem during her lifetime.

Thyroid disorders fall into two categories:

Hypothyroidism--the underactive thyroid--is the most common form of thyroid problems, affecting four to eight percent of the general U.S. population. UI Health Care endocrinologist Thomas O'Dorisio, M.D., says symptoms include droopy eyelids, intolerance to cold, difficulty swallowing, forgetfulness, decreased concentration, and feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. You may feel depressed and experience mood swings. Your hair may become dry and brittle, your skin may become dry and itchy, your voice may become deep and raspy, you may be constipated, and may experience muscle cramps. O'Dorisio says you may have trouble losing weight, no matter how closely or strictly you follow a diet.

"Hypothyroidism is easily treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy using levothyroxine sodium," says O'Dorisio.

Hyperthyroidism--the overactive thyroid--is a less common disorder affecting about one million Americans, generally women in their 30s and 40s. "Symptoms are the flip side of hypothyroidism," says O'Dorisio. They include irritability and nervousness, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and/or protruding eyes, heat intolerance, diarrhea, rapid pulse, unplanned weight loss, muscle weakness, sleep disturbances, and vision problems. The most common form of hyperthyroidism in the U.S is also termed Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Grave's variety. It causes production of antibodies that stimulate (not block) and attack the thyroid gland, causing growth of the gland and overproduction of thyroid hormone.

"Treatment of hyperthyroidism depends on the type of hyperthyroidism you have," says O'Dorisio. A safe drug class called "beta-blockers is almost always prescribed initially.

If you think you may have a thyroid problem, call the UI Family Care site nearest you to schedule an appointment with a physician or contact UI Health Access at 800-777-8442 or 319-384-8442 to make an appointment.

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