Thyroid problems can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are more at risk. Understanding your thyroid health and risk factors is important for early detection and treatment.
Who is most at risk of thyroid problems?
The following factors can increase your risk of developing thyroid problems:
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop thyroid problems than men
- Age: Thyroid problems become more common with age.
- Family history: If you have a family history of thyroid problems, you are more likely to develop them yourself.
- Autoimmune diseases: People with certain autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, are at increased risk of developing thyroid problems.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium and amiodarone, can increase your risk of developing thyroid problems.
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation in the neck can increase your risk of developing thyroid cancer.
- Pregnancy and menopause: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also increase your risk of developing thyroid problems.
Read More: Menopause Made Clear: Exploring Stages and Common Symptoms
How to know if you are at risk of thyroid problems
There are a number of things you can do to assess your risk of thyroid problems:
- Talk to your doctor: Your doctor can ask you about your medical history and family history to determine if you are at increased risk of thyroid problems.
- Get regular blood tests: Your doctor can order blood tests, but you can also use our convenient at-home thyroid health check to get results within days. These tests can help to identify thyroid problems early on, when they are most treatable.
- Be aware of the symptoms of thyroid problems: The symptoms of thyroid problems can vary depending on whether you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Read More: What Does an Unhealthy Thyroid Feel Like? Exploring Signs and Severity.
Thyroid at-home health checks
If you are concerned about your thyroid health, DocHQ offers a convenient and affordable way to get tested from the comfort of your own home . You would recieve a detailed GP-verified report and advice to help you understand your thyroid health and take steps to manage any problems.Our at-home thyroid health check is just one of the many tests we offer, including our Menopause test and MenoBalance Check.
Read More: How to check your thyroid at home