Here are some facts and information to include in your letters, emails and calls to Oprah and her producer, if you're interested. But remember, they will be most interested in your own personal story, told in your own words.
Hypothyroidism is Vastly Underdiagnosed
Research reported on in February of 2000 estimated that as many as 10 million Americans -- the majority of them women -- have undiagnosed thyroid disease. Most of this is in the form of hypothyroidism -- an underactive thyroid. If you add in those who have been diagnosed, nearly 20 million Americans -- at minimum -- have thyroid disease.
The number of undiagnosed thyroid patients is most likely vastly underestimated. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recently announced that they are revisiting the "normal range" for thyroid function, which is a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level of normally 5. to approximately 5, with above 5 being considered borderline "hypothyroid." They are now viewing a TSH above 3 as "suspect." This means millions MORE could be suffering from undiagnosed or undertreated hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism Affects Mainly Women
Women are seven times more likely than men to develop a thyroid condition.
Hypothyroidism frequently appears in women during times of hormonal change when it may be overlooked -- pregnancy, post-partum, perimenpause, menopause, and after 60.
By the time a woman is 60, conservative estimates state that at least 1 in 5 will have a thyroid condition -- most likely hypothyroidism.
Celebrities With Thyroid Problems/Hypothyroidism
Gail Devers and Graves' disease have been featured in the past on Oprah. Graves' disease, however, is only a very small percentage of all thyroid conditions. And almost all people with Graves' ultimately disease receive treatment that makes them hypothyroid for life.
Rod Stewart recently revealed that he went through surgery for thyroid cancer. That surgery to remove a cancerous thyroid or cancerous nodules leaves a person hypothyroid.
Tipper Gore had thyroid nodules removed several years ago. Frequently, thyroid nodules cause hypothyroidism symptoms, including weight gain and depression, two problems Tipper Gore publicly acknowledged that she experienced.
In addition to Gail Devers, Rod Stewart, and Tipper Gore, some other celebrities who have thyroid problems include:
- Model Kim Alexis
- Actor Joe Piscopo
- Golfer Ben Crenshaw
- Former First Lady Barbara Bush
- Former President George Bush Sr.
- Singer Linda Ronstadt
- Race car driver Bobby LaBonte
- Actress Faith Ford (Corky, on Murphy Brown)
- Athlete Carl Lewis
