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The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
now says that TSH level between 3.0 and 5.0 uU/ml should be
considered suspect. This is a major
reversal of
the long held view that a person ONLY had hypothyroidism if
their TSH is above 5.0.
This is the first time a conventional U.S. medical organization
has acknowledged that the upper half of the TSH test's normal
range may not in fact be normal, but rather, evidence of developing
hypothyroidism, or a level that is potentially able to cause
hypothyroidism symptoms in patients.
Nearly 13 million Americans have thyroid disease,
but more than half of these people remain undiagnosed.
Additionally, fewer than 15% of Americans can identify the
times of life when thyroid disease most often strikes:
- the post-childbirth period
- menopause
- and after age 60
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base
of the neck.
Through the production of thyroid hormones, the organ
is involved in regulating metabolism
-- how the body uses energy and at what speed.
There are various thyroid conditions including:
- hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- thyroiditis (inflamed thyroid)
Untreated thyroid disease may result in:
- infertility
- muscle weakness
- osteoporosis
AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists)
experts recommend that people experiencing some of the sometimes-subtle
symptoms of thyroid disease -- such as
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depression
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a sense of
being too cold or too hot
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fatigue
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memory difficulties
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heart rate
disturbances
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hair loss
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-- undergo a blood test that measures levels of thyroid
stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH tells the thyroid to produce
more of its hormone in response to the body's perception that
the levels of essential thyroid hormone are low.
Women who are unable to conceive should have their thyroid
checked because an underactive thyroid can interfere with
conception. Women are five to eight times more likely
than men to develop thyroid disease. Women should also undergo
TSH testing during pregnancy to ensure that their levels of
thyroid hormone are appropriate.
A few months after delivery, some women are diagnosed with
an autoimmune thyroid condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis,
which is often mistaken for postpartum depression.
Menopause
is another time of life in which women should be tested
for thyroid disease. Menopausal symptoms such as skin dryness,
hot flashes, mood swings, depression and weight gain mimic
those of thyroid disease.
People over 60 should be tested if they experience fatigue,
depression and forgetfulness.
American Association of
Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) Press
Release in New York Jan 18, 2001
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