Thyroid Awareness Month, observed in January, is a time to increase awareness of the health and function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small gland located in the base of the neck that is part of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland is responsible for various functions including, among other things, metabolism, body temperature regulation, cognitive function, and digestion.

Thyroid Awareness Month calls attention to thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s disease, goiter, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.

Raise Awareness About Thyroid Disease in Seniors

January is “Thyroid Awareness Month,” which calls attention to the various health problems connected to the thyroid. Most of us have heard about thyroid glands, but we may not realize the importance of the gland or that we may have symptoms of this disease. Therefore, this month is dedicated to talking about thyroid disease – the conditions and symptoms, importance of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the many issues thyroid issues face day-to-day. In addition, health experts hope that publicizing information about thyroid diseases will educate people and encourage them to visit their physician for a simple blood test to determine if they need treatment.

Diagnosing thyroid disease in seniors can be difficult because some of the symptoms are also associated with aging or other medical conditions — however, these can also be signs of thyroid disease, as well.