In recent years, the chance of thyroid cancer diagnosis has risen and is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the US

Some numbers to consider

• Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease and up to 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware and asymptomatic.

• Women are 5 – 8 times more likely than men to have thyroid issues.

• 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

• Most thyroid cancers respond to treatment, although a small percentage can be very aggressive.

• Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, like cardiovascular diseases, infertility and osteoporosis.

• Most thyroid disease are life-long conditions that can be managed with medical attention.

So What IS the Thyroid and what does it DO exactly?

The thyroid is the gland that produces two main hormones (T3 & T4).  These hormones regulate our body’s metabolism (aka the rate at which the body produces energy from nutrients and oxygen). It affects critical body functions, such as energy level and heart rate.

Think of the thyroid as the body’s thermostat, which decides how much energy to burn, and how energetic you feel.

If a thyroid is working properly, it’s producing the correct level of hormones needed to keep your body’s metabolism working at your correct rate.

Location

• Middle, lower part of the neck, hugging the trachea near the Adam’s apple

• Tiny but powerful! The thyroid gland is really small, but it produces a hormone that influences EVERY cell, tissue and organ in the body.

How it Works

• The pituitary gland (in the brain), releases thyroid stimulating hormone, which mixes with iodine and tyrosine to create hormones T3 and T4.

• T3 and t4 circulate through the bloodstream stimulating metabolism (turning food and oxygen into energy).

• When T3 and T4 levels drops, the hypothalamus (located inside the brain), releases more TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) to push the pituitary into action.

• Parathyroid glands regulate calcium.

So in short: 

Pituitary releases TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Hypothalamus releases TRH (Thyroid Releasing Hormone)

Iodine + Trosine (from food) = T3 (Triiodothyronine) & T4 (Thyroxine)

Hypothyroidism VS Hyperthyroidism 

• Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland DOESN’T produce ENOUGH thyroid hormone. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and some weight gain.

• Hyperthyroidism, is when the thyroid produces TOO MUCH thyroid hormone. Symptoms include irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, vision problems and eye irritation.

Important NOTE

While the causes of thyroid problems are still not straightforward or fully understood, there are many factors that can play a role (genetics, toxin exposure, and more)

No Noticeable Symptoms???

• Many experiencing Thyroid disorders or Thyroid cancer are asymptomatic and unaware (about 60%).

• Undiagnosed thyroid disorders can increase risk for developing other medical conditions. This is why it’s so important to be aware of your family history of thyroid disorder and pay attention to any unusual symptoms you experience.

• Early detection or diagnosis are highly encouraged and can be life changing.

Some ways to help reduce your risks of Thyroid Disease

NOTE: While nothing is guaranteed (especially in those with family history or autoimmune disease), I personally feel that preventative measures and pure AWARENESS can be incredibly helpful in lessening your risk of problems.

• Periodically do a Thyroid Neck Check. This test can detect any swelling, lumps that are closer to the surface.

• See your Doctor Regularly for check ups, not only for overall health but for thyroid health. Especially if you have a family history of Thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s or Grave’s disease

• Talk to your doctor about physical exam, testing your thyroid hormone levels through blood tests on a yearly basis

• Following a nutrient dense anti-inflammatory diet. Think (Avoiding processed foods, added/refined or high amounts of sugar) (Including whole foods without added ingredients, high quality protein, healthy fats, green and leafy vegetables)

• Get tested for Celiac or general food sensitivities or intolerances. Celiac disease is three times more common in people with autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease. Celiac disease causes poor absorption of essential minerals, which can potentially trigger thyroid dysfunction.

• Reduce your toxin exposure via drinking water, daily cleaning products, and self use products (shampoos, deodorants, lotions, creams, soaps, laundry detergents, etc)

• Stop Smoking

If you think you have a Thyroid Disorder

Consult a doctor as soon as you can and be prepared with the following questions…

• What are my blood levels?

• How often should I be tested, if more testing is recommended?

• How serious is the condition?

• What treatment do you recommend?

• What are the side effects of my treatment plan?

Further Steps – Evaluating a thyroid nodule may include

• Physical examination

• Neck ultrasound

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, often under ultrasound guidance. The fine needle aspiration (FNA) is the most reliable way to determine whether a nodule is benign, definitely cancerous, or possibly cancerous.  The FNA cannot always determine whether cancer is definitely present. In this situation, the tissue analysis after thyroid surgery is used to determine the diagnosis.

• Thyroid function lab tests—blood tests

• Further blood testing involving molecular markers, for patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules

Related Resources + Informative Links

Thyroid Nodules

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/thyroid-nodules

Thyroid Surgery – Common Questions & Concerns

https://columbiasurgery.org/news/2013/09/16/thyroid-surgery-common-questions-and-concerns

Surgery for Papillary Thyroid Cancer

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-cancer/surgery-papillary-thyroid-cancer

Papillary Thyroid Cancer diagnosis

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-cancer/papillary-thyroid-cancer-diagnosis

Papillary Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors

https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid-cancer/papillary-thyroid-cancer-risk-factors

Thyroid Cancer: What You Need to Know

My experience in a bubble

Earlier this year, I went in for a little tune up, when my Chiropractor felt a little something on my neck and advised me to schedule a sonogram. Just a year ago my Thyroid panel came out clear and I’d not been experiencing any symptoms.  Nonetheless I trust this doctor VERY much and did exactly as told. From there, I was advised to have a biopsy done to find out more. 

Fast forward to several pathology reviews & a meeting with the Thyroid specialist where I was told “We need to remove the Thyroid”. While I never dreamed of getting rid of such an important organ, I was actually relieved to finally have clear answers and a plan to move forward. 

And while Thyroidectomy wasn’t initially on my radar, something had become very clear to me….This was another moment in my life that started out scary as heck, but was truly a blessing in disguise. This entire experience has brought on a lot of emotions. Not only for me, but for those closest to me. 

I share a glimpse of this very intimate experience with you, because I’ve learned so much from it. And if my healing journey throughout the years has taught me anything, it’s that there is POWER in sharing our stories, information and awareness. 

I want to thank those who have been incredibly supportive during this challenging time. My partner who kept a poker face through it all, to minimize my worry. My Mother who having experienced this herself years ago, walked me through each step with confidence and reassurance that all would be fine. My family members who checked in on me, gave me words of encouragement, helping me to know I was not alone in this. Friends & colleagues who have demonstrated immense support, sent me great energy and prayers. The incredible Doctors and Medical staff, my incredibly empathetic night nurse for taking such good care of me in my most uncomfortable state. The support leading to my surgery and afterwards was felt in a big way, and has made all the difference in the world. THANK YOU!!!! And most importantly God for redirecting me and guiding me, especially in the moments which I have doubted my path.