Understanding your thyroid

Thyroid disorders are common and can happen to anyone. However, Goldman says certain people are at increased risk including:

• Those with a family history. In particular, a condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis tends to run in families;
• Anyone who's had treatment (such as radiation) affecting the neck or thyroid. If the thyroid is damaged it can stop working, resulting in hypothyroidism;
• New moms, who are at risk for post-partum thyroiditis -- a condition in which the thyroid malfunctions following pregnancy.

(Click here for a list of more uncommon pregnancy problems.)

Goldman says doctors generally don't test for thyroid conditions as a matter of course. That's why it's important for patients -- especially those falling into the higher-risk categories -- to be aware of the symptoms associated with thyroid problems. "At an annual check-up you can ask questions to see if there's an issue," Goldman says. "During and after pregnancy, and in people with strong family histories of thyroid disorders, I would certainly ask questions more often and my threshold for testing would be lower."

The good news is . . .
While the symptoms of thyroid conditions are unpleasant and, untreated, the long-term effects can be dangerous, there is good news.

Easy diagnosis
All that's needed to check your thyroid is a trip to the lab for a simple blood test.

Straightforward treatment
The usual treatment for hypothyroidism is to take one pill once a day. "Generally there are no side effects," says Goldman. "You're replacing the hormone your thyroid gland should be producing and taking it by mouth." The treatments for hyperthyroidism vary a bit more but are well-established and mostly low-risk.

The best news of all? As unexpectedly as it malfunctioned, your thyroid could start working properly again. Most cases of hypothyroidism are considered chronic -- something you'll have for the rest of your life -- but it's not unusual for post-partum thyroiditis to disappear once the hormonal upheaveal of child-bearing has passed. And for those experiencing hyperthyroidism, Goldman says there's good reason to be optimistic. "There's always the chance, a good chance, it'll revert to normal."

For more information visit the Thyroid Foundation of Canada's (www.thyroid.ca) website.

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