By Karla Sullivan
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, an estimate of 27 million Americans have thyroid disease and 13 million are undiagnosed. The American Cancer Society reports that thyroid cancer is on the rise two times as high as cases diagnosed in 1990. Thyroid disease is more common today than diabetes and heart disease. What is contributing to more thyroid disorders?
The thyroid hormones control numerous body activities which include your metabolism, blood pressure, body temperature rate and how fast your heart beats. The National Institutes of Health define hyperthyroidism that makes more thyroid hormones than the body needs and hypothyroidism that occurs when hormones are lacking.
When diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the system has too much iodine. Sometimes Graves disease will develop as well as thyroid nodules which are usually benign.
Hypothyroidism is a result of a deficiency in iodine which is the most common. In fact, according to recent reports, the Japanese consume almost 90 times more iodine and they also have reduced rates of chronic diseases and cancer.
The National Cancer Institute claim that approximately 45,000 women will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in the United States this year. However, there is an average survival rate of about 90%.
Exposure to dangerous elements such as fluoride, chloride and other chemicals can cause an inability for the thyroid to function correctly. Pollution, coal and even cigarette smoke can alter the thyroid hormone. Certain chemicals such as PCB, metal and aluminum toxins have also been linked to abnormal thyroid fluctuation. Bromine, which is usually found in baked goods and soft drinks can reduce iodine. Studies have also suggested a genetic link to thyroid diseases as well and continuous low levels of vitamin D.
Since January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, The American Thyroid Association, always committed to supporting research into the disease, has a call for submitting research grant proposals this month since there is an availability of funds to support new projects.
In the past private health insurance market, individuals with a pre-existing thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism could be evaluated on a high risk scale especially if diagnosed with a thyroid disease as a young person. If surgery was required, you could be declined. Now with health reform, companies cannot turn you away though you may pay a higher premium.
Depending on the severity of your condition will determine life insurance rates you are quoted; however, you will not be declined even if taking medication for a life-time condition. Age coupled with the condition can affect the rate of premium as well.
