Author
Robyn Koumourou Dip Ed.BA
Author
Robyn
Koumourou is a current board member of the support organization Thyroid
Australia. She works in the area of support and research, and also contributes in
educational seminars on thyroid disease. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
(hypothyroidism) at the age of 30, and since then has endeavoured to provide support,
guidance and educational information to thyroid patients, their families and their doctors.
Robyn lives in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Why
I wrote this book:
The
Thyroid gland has a profound effect upon the human body! This small
butterfly- shaped
gland at the base of the neck is responsible for the speed of all metabolic processes, in
virtually every cell, tissue and organ throughout the body. If a person want to live a vibrant,
healthy life, then the thyroid gland needs to function at it’s optimal level. If the thyroid gland
begins to malfunction for any reason, the body will soon follow suit, and the signs and
symptoms of ill health will appear.
Can
you relate to some of the following conditions?
-
Fatigue and exhaustion
- Poor memory and concentration
- Feeling cold (especially hands and feet)
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Fluid retention
- Dry hair and brittle nails
- Hair Loss and thinning eye brows
- Headaches
- Depression or mood swings
- Dry, coarse skin
- Sore throat
- Heart palpitations_
- Chest pain or breathlessness
- Slow, weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Muscle weakness and cramping
- Prolonged, heavy periods
- Severe PMS _
- Decreased libido
- Blood pressure changes
- Digestive disturbances
- High cholesterol _
- Deepening, hoarse voice
Although many of the above symptoms can be associated with
a variety of illnesses
and diseases, they can also be attributed with an underactive thyroid gland. The list of
thyroid-related health problems is long and can be overwhelming, but please keep in
mind that not everyone will have all of the above symptoms. Every individual is unique,
and will present with their own symptom picture.
I
have written this book in the hope to answer the following questions:
On
the positive side, hypothyroidism is a treatable condition, and there is light at the end of
the tunnel. A patient and doctor can work together in managing a thyroid condition, and life
will be worth living again.
The
importance of the thyroid gland to human health has been known by western doctors
for many years, and yet it is probably the most overlooked factor in a great many health
problems that plague the 20th century. Hypothyroidism, a deficiency of thyroid hormones,
has been implicated in the development of heart disease, obesity, depression, chronic
fatigue, muscle and joint pain, digestive disturbances and skin disorders. A poorly
functioning thyroid can also be a contributing factor to a number of women’s health
problems, such as menstrual cycle irregularities, severe PMS and painful prolonged
bleeding, reoccurring infections, infertility and miscarriages, and possibly encourage the
development of uterine fibroids , ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. Hypothyroidism can
lead to elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, weight gain and high blood
pressure, thus further increasing the risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The thyroid
gland’s role in all aspects of healthy body functioning is paramount and therefore it needs to
be taken seriously.
In
Australia the average person knows little about thyroid disorders and their detrimental
affects upon health. Many Australians suffer with thyroid hormone imbalances without even
realizing it. Some are affected more significantly than others, and go from one health
professional to another seeking answers for their long list of complaints. Hundreds and
thousands of dollars are spent unnecessarily on specialists, treatments and medications, all
in a hope to restore health and well-being. Unfortunately, the underlying hidden cause is
often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and the person’s health continues to decline. Much
heartache, confusion and pain could have been spared if a person’s thyroid condition is
recognized early, tested for thoroughly and treated appropriately by someone with an
observant eye, a listening ear and a compassionate heart.
Too
often it is assumed that thyroid problems are easy to diagnose and easy to treat, but
unfortunately this is not always the case. Lack of understanding, knowledge and education
in thyroid related conditions appears to be a major problem, and many thyroid sufferers
remain undiagnosed. More often than not, a psychiatric diagnosis is made and
antidepressantsare given which only further mask the real underlying problem.
Conventional
laboratory blood testing may also be insufficient in picking up mild thyroid
underactivity. Blood hormone reference ranges are rather broad and test results are often
poorly interpreted. Many thyroid sufferers have felt that too much emphasis has been
placed on blood test results alone, and not enough attention given to the type of symptoms
they are presenting with. When a person is finally diagnosed and treatment has begun, many
are poorly monitored and not given adequate information. Patients have felt quite confused
and ill equipped to deal with their thyroid related problems and voice their concern about
continued problems even after treatment has begun.
If
you are suffering with hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland - have a family
history of thyroid problems, or simply suspect that something is not right with your thyroid
function, then this introductory book will be helpful. It is intended to give you important
basic information, in nontechnical language, so you can gain a better understanding of the
thyroid gland and it’s role in the healthy functioning of your body. Hopefully, those who
have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, will be given some guidance and support, and
be equipped to take control of their thyroid disorder in a positive way.
Statistics
It
is estimated that around 1 in 14 Australians suffer with a thyroid condition. Over the
years only small studies have been conducted into incidence and prevalence rates for
thyroid disease in Australia. The 1995 National Health survey conducted by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics reported that only 4% of women indicated that they had a thyroid
disorder. Unfortunately this survey was not a controlled study taking a large unbiased
sample of the population and testing for the evidence of thyroid disease. Controlled studies
in other countries have produced results that are more reliable and probably closer to the
prevalence rates in Australia.
Thyroid
disorders can occur at any age, but increase in frequency after the age of 50. The
most common thyroid condition is hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid gland. About
6.5% of women have this condition, with close to 20% being afflicted after the age of 60.
Approximately, 1.5% of men suffer with hypothyroidism.
The
second most common thyroid condition is hyperthyroidism– an overactive thyroid
gland. Approximately 2% of women and 0.25% of men suffer with this condition. Other
thyroid conditions, which are less common, include thyroid cancer, thyroid nodulesand
congenitalthyroid disease.
Overall,
Australian statistics and research overseas indicate that around 4% of Australians
have diagnosed thyroid conditions, that is, approximately 850,000 people, and another 4%
remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, another 850,000. When you consider these numbers,
thyroid conditions are extremely common, and affect many Australians; therefore, the need
for education and understanding in this area is vital.
Ordering the Book
