It’s a small part of the body – but kind of a big deal

January is Thyroid Awareness Month. Up to 20 million Americans have a thyroid condition — and up to 60 percent of them don’t know it.¹ The thyroid can be either overactive or underactive. And both conditions can lead to big health problems for employees.

The thyroid is found in the middle of the lower neck. The hormones it produces (T3 and T4) affect every cell in the body. They help control your body temperature and heart rate, and help regulate the production of protein. If the thyroid produces too much — or too little —  T3 and T4, it can create problems. Specifically, those conditions are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Here are the facts: ¹
•    An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.
•    Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.
•    Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
•    The causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown.
•    Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put patients at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.