Probability of Having a Thyroid Disorder

The American Thyroid Association estimates that approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and about 12% of the US population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. Up to 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

The most common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid, affecting about 5% of the population), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid, about 1.2%), thyroid nodules (present in about 50% of adults over 60, though most are benign), and thyroid cancer (about 44,000 new cases per year). Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, while Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Women are 5-8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid problems.

Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and depression. Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, tremor, and heat intolerance. Diagnosis is through blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels. Treatment for hypothyroidism is straightforward with synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), while hyperthyroidism may require antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery.