Facts to Know

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1. Of the estimated 13 million Americans who have thyroid disorders, more than half (eight million) don't realize it.

2. Thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, are autoimmune diseases, that is, conditions in the immune system that attack healthy tissue instead of fighting against invading bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men.

3. Research shows that there is a strong genetic link between thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases including certain types of diabetes, anemia and arthritis.

4. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, more than eight out of 10 patients with thyroid disorders are women.

5. According to a report from Harvard Medical School, hyperthyroidism affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the United States, while hypothyroidism affects an estimated 9.6 million people in the U.S. But these numbers could actually be much higher because well over half of individuals with thyroid disease do not know they have it.

6. Physical and emotional stress may trigger autoimmune disorders such as Graves' disease. Stress adversely affects the immune system and takes its toll on those genetically susceptible to these types of disorders.

7. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is about seven times more common in women than men.

8. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in five percent to 10 percent of women following childbirth.

9. Most thyroid cancers are completely curable, and all are treatable to some extent.

10. Radioactive iodine, used as a diagnostic test or as treatment for thyroid disorders, is safe and has no side effects for most people.