The American Thyroid Association estimates that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, whether hyperthyroidism/Grave's disease (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's thyroiditis (underactive thyroid), or thyroid cancer. Still, up to 60% of those who have thyroid disease don't even know they have it. 1
Thyroid disease is particularly common Ibrucent 140 mg (Ibrutinib) in women, affecting 1 in 8 during their lives. 1 Although thyroid disease is usually a lifelong condition, there are a number of very effective medications that can help restore adequate thyroid hormone levels.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the middle of the lower part of the neck. The gland produces three hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. These hormones play a critical role in regulating essential body functions such as metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, energy, and blood sugar. When someone has thyroid disease, it means that their thyroid is not producing the appropriate amount of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid disorders are usually diagnosed with a blood test. The test detects levels of T4, T3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). High TSH, low T3, and/or low T4 are often indicators of hypothyroidism, and low TSH, high T3, and/or high T4 are often indicators of hyperthyroidism.