A study by the University of Aberdeen, in partnership with several leading charities, found that it takes an average of 4.5 years for the condition to be diagnosed
Thyroid cancer, which can strike as many as one in 20 people across the UK, frequently takes years to identify because its warning signs mirror those of numerous other ailments. Research from the University of Aberdeen, working alongside several prominent thyroid charities, discovered it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid disorder to be properly identified – making it in effect a silent killer.
The university’s study, which examined the journeys of nearly 1,200 patients, showed that in almost two-thirds of instances, repeated consultations and deteriorating symptoms were necessary before doctors reached a conclusion. The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped organ situated in the neck, positioned just ahead of the windpipe.
It creates hormones that control heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism – the mechanism of transforming food into energy, reports Surrey Live. These hormones, called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), can trigger uncomfortable and potentially dangerous complications if their concentrations become too elevated or too reduced.
An overactive thyroid can impact anyone, though it’s approximately 10 times more prevalent in women than men, usually developing 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.”
The NHS states that the symptoms of an underactive thyroid can often mimic those of other conditions and typically develop gradually, meaning they may go unnoticed for years. For example, if you’re at an age where menopause is expected, you might mistake an underactive thyroid for the onset of menopause.
Professor Alexandros Zangelidis stated: “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.”
Underactive thyroid symptoms
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include:
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Being sensitive to the cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Muscle aches
Signs of an overactive thyroid
An overactive thyroid can cause a range of symptoms, as listed by the NHS:.
- 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
If you’re experiencing symptoms of either an underactive or overactive thyroid, it’s advised to arrange a GP appointment.
The only way to confirm a thyroid issue is through a thyroid function test, which involves taking a blood sample to measure hormone levels. Treatment for thyroid issues typically involves medication.
An underactive thyroid is treated with daily hormone replacement tablets known as levothyroxine to boost thyroxine levels, while an overactive thyroid is generally treated with medicine that stops your thyroid from producing excess hormones. Patients can find more information and support on the British Thyroid Foundation website.