Affects at least 30 million Americans -- some experts say 59 million!
Is easily -- and frequently -- misdiagnosed as depression
Is at least 7 times more likely to affect women
Can be the actual cause of weight gain/difficulty losing weight, fatigue, depression, hair loss, and high cholesterol in some people
Is most often due to autoimmune disease
In women, can cause infertility, low sex drive, miscarriage, irregular menstrual periods, breastfeeding problems, and difficult menopause
Is NOT typically tested for as part of regular blood work in an annual physical
Is often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or insufficiently/incorrectly treated by physicians
Mary Shomon is the nation's leading thyroid patient advocate, and author of a number of best-selling books on thyroid disease. Mary is also Guide to the About.com Thyroid Site -- part of the New York Times Co.--since 1997. Contact Mary now.
Quiz: Could You Have a Thyroid Problem?
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