JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 25, 2021 -- To coincide with Thyroid Awareness Month, today the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) launched the first video in a new series to raise awareness of thyroid diseases and to help people recognize symptoms, risk factors and the need to seek treatment. More than 10% of Americans will develop a thyroid disease during their lives, yet many of those affected remain unaware of their condition.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located low in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that influence the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Many of the symptoms associated with thyroid issues are often mistaken for other conditions, misidentified as a normal part of aging, or blamed on lifestyle habits.
"It is estimated that over half of those with thyroid disease don't even know it," said Howard Lando, M.D., FACP, FACE, president of AACE. "This lack of awareness can endanger their health and well-being. We want to educate people so that they recognize the signs and symptoms, and talk with their health care professionals."
The new video series is comprised of 7 videos; the first one All About The Thyroid making it easy for viewers to understand the gland itself using a butterfly to walk people through the journey, and the next six videos address specific diseases and conditions including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid eye disease. The videos will be posted on AACE’s YouTube channel as they become available over the coming weeks and shared with the public, patients, and health care professionals.
Several different disorders can arise if a person's thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). Common disorders of the thyroid include Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Thyroid eye disease may develop in some people who have a thyroid condition. Undiagnosed thyroid diseases may also place a person at greater risk for heart disease, weight gain or loss, infertility, osteoporosis, and other serious conditions.
Talking with a doctor is the first step to ensure that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly. An endocrinologist is a doctor that specializes in hormone-related diseases and conditions, including all those related to the thyroid gland.
Visit aace.com/thyroid to learn more about thyroid health and find endocrine care near you.
About the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)
Established in 1991, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology is a global, inclusive community of over 6,000 endocrine-focused clinical members, affiliates, and partners from every walk of professional life. As the vital hub of knowledge and experience in clinical endocrinology, AACE works to define the best paths of patient care and disease prevention, educate multi-disciplinary care teams and their patients, and set the factual record straight about endocrine diseases. Together, the AACE community is elevating the practice of clinical endocrinology to benefit each individual patient and the health of our society. Visit our website at www.aace.com.
Support for thyroid awareness is provided by AbbVie and Horizon Therapeutics.