Note From InSpired Nutritionals:
We feel that the stats shown in this article are still grossly inaccurate
despite them being double previous estimates. In our clinic we have observed
that from 60-80 of all our female patients suffer from Thyroid Dysfunction
and approximately 20-25% of all male patients do.
Thyroid
dysfunction more common than estimated
NEW
YORK, Mar 01 2000 (Reuters Health) --
Based on new study findings, researchers estimate that there may as
many as 13 million Americans with undiagnosed thyroid problems, double
previous estimates.
'Thyroid
dysfunction is common, may often go undetected, and may be associated
with adverse health outcomes that can be avoided,' lead author Dr. Gay
J. Canaris of the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and colleagues write
in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Surprisingly,
the prevalence of (underactive thyroid) was higher than expected,' co-author
of the study, Dr. E. Chester Ridgway, said in a press release.
The
investigators note that of those with no known thyroid problems, testing
revealed that nearly 10% had a dysfunctional thyroid gland. Canaris
noted in the press release that 'thyroid symptoms... are often mistaken
for signs of aging, menopause, depression or stress,' and added, 'we,
as physicians, should be conducting more thyroid testing.'
Canaris
and colleagues measured indicators of thyroid dysfunction and cholesterol
levels in the blood of 25,862 participants of the Colorado Health Fair.
The study participants also filled out a questionnaire that was designed
to reveal symptoms of hypothyroidism.
About
9.5% of the subjects exhibited evidence of an underactive thyroid and
2.2% showed signs of an overactive thyroid. Both conditions can lead
to serious health problems if not treated.
Of
the patients who already knew they had a thyroid problem and were on
thyroid medications, 40% had abnormal levels of thyroid stimulating
hormone, indicating that they were not taking the proper dosage of medication.
'Clinicians may therefore consider monitoring patients on thyroid replacement
more frequently,' the researchers advise.
In
addition, subjects with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels,
an indication of an underactive thyroid, had higher total cholesterol
and LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels than subjects with normal thyroid
function. High LDL and total cholesterol are risk factors for heart
disease. Ridgway noted in the press release that underactive thyroid
is linked to cardiovascular problems and said that this 'points to the
need for more widespread thyroid stimulating hormone testing and more
aggressive treatment.'
SOURCE:
Archives of Internal Medicine 2000;160:526-534. (01 Mar 2000 18:55 EST)
Copyright
1999 Reuters Limited
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