How to Assess Risk Factors for Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other diseases. One in ten women develop some sort of thyroid disorder in their lifetime. The most common thyroid diseases are Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Graves disease, both autoimmune disorders. Thyroid nodule's and cancer are also common disorders of the thyroid gland.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at your family history. Find out if any of your immediate family members such as parents and siblings have a thyroid disease, if so you may want to be tested.

• 2

  Consider gender. As mentioned, thyroid disease is more common in women, especially women that are pregnant, recently pregnant, menopausal. Difficulty getting pregnant may also be a big indication that there is a thyroid condition present.

• 3

  Check for a lump or swelling in the throat. If a goiter or a lump is present you may experience discomfort with swallowing or soreness in the neck.

• 4

  Evaluate your overall metabolism. If you are often fatigued or exhausted then you may want to have your thyroid checked. Fluctuations in weight and difficulty loosing weight are also signs. Those with hypothyroidism may have a difficult time loosing weight and feeling fatigued. They may want to sleep all the time and feel depressed as well.

• 5

  Loss of hair and sensitivity to temperatures are risk factors as well. Hot flashes and excessive sweating are signs of hyperthyroidism.

• 6

  Be aware of your bowel movements. Both constipation and diarrhea can be signs of a thyroid disorder.