Thyroid cancer, affects up to one in 20 people in the UK, often goes undiagnosed for years because its symptoms overlap with those of several other conditions.
A study taken by the University of Aberdeen, in partnership with leading thyroid charities, discovered that it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid condition to be diagnosed.
The research examined the experiences of nearly 1,200 patients, revealing that in almost two-thirds of cases, multiple appointments and worsening symptoms occurred before a diagnosis was made.
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just in front of the windpipe, Surrey Live reports. It produces hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature and metabolism.
These hormones, called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), can lead to unpleasant and potentially serious issues if their levels are either too high or too low
An overactive thyroid can impact anyone, but it is approximately 10 times more prevalent in women than in men, typically occurring between the ages of 20 and 40.
The University of Aberdeen said: “One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with women six times more likely to suffer from the condition than men. Posing serious implications for the physical, mental and emotional life of those affected, thyroid patients are at greater risk of experiencing long-term sick leave and impairment of working ability.
“The study gathered data on almost 1,200 patients’ experience from the onset of symptoms through diagnosis and treatment and beyond. In total, 95% of the respondents were women.
“It found it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid condition to be diagnosed, with this taking considerably longer for patients with hypothyroidism. In most cases (almost two thirds of respondents) it took multiple appointments and a worsening of the severity of symptoms before a diagnosis was made.”
According to the NHS, the symptoms of an underactive thyroid often resemble those of other conditions and usually develop slowly, which means they can remain unnoticed for years.
For example, if you are at an age when menopause is anticipated, you might confuse the symptoms of an underactive thyroid with the onset of menopause.
Professor Alexandros Zangelidis mentioned: “The evidence that emerges from this survey confirms that thyroid diseases have serious implications for the life of patients, with adverse and long-lasting consequences on their wellbeing and their ability to engage with and interact with social activities and work long after they get a diagnosis.”
Professor Catia Montagna added: “Patients, on average, do not feel they are being heard by the medical profession and do not feel empowered during their medical journey. Given that it affects one in 20 people in the population, its impact should be much more prominently reflected in the Scottish and UK Governments’ women’s health strategy.”
The signs of an underactive thyroid can include:
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Being sensitive to the cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Muscle aches
Symptoms of an overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid can lead to a range of symptoms. According to the NHS, these include:
- Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Persistent tiredness and weakness
- Sensitivity to heat
- Swelling in your neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
- An irregular and/or unusually fast heart rate (palpitations)
- Twitching or trembling
- Weight loss
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