Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism Part 1 - A Family History

As promised in my last installment I am going to be breaking down the risk factors for hypothyroidism in weekly installments over the next 21 weeks each Wednesday.

This first installment is a family history thyroid issues or hypothyroidism.

I do know that the woman who gave birth to me has hypothyroidism. I am not sure if anyone else in my family has.

When you go to the doctors office they do ask for a family history of the most common diseases, illnesses and chronic health problems. Thinking about it now I do not recollect that I have seen a family history of thyroid issues on the form that they ask you to fill out if you are a new patient or have been asked if I have a family history of thyroid issues. Next time I go to my doctors office I will have to ask to see a copy of the new patient intake form to see if they do ask you if you have a family history of thyroid issues. I would actually be interested to know if your doctor asks this question on their new patient intake form. If you are comfortable with it see if you can obtain a copy of one and leave me a comment letting me know what you find out.

As common as thyroid issues have become it should be a given to be on the new patient intake form.

For many talking about health issues is still taboo. Our own family members can often be the worst. However, it is really important to know what your family has so you can prevent getting it or having the knowledge to be able to manage it effectively in the case of say diabetes or hypertension for example.

The other thing is if you happen to develop hypothyroidism if a family member has had it you can ask them questions. Providing you have a speaking relationship with them or they are still living. I do not have a speaking relationship with the woman who gave birth to me nor do I want one. Everything I have learned I researched on my own.

Some things you can ask your relatives are:

What symptoms did you have that led you to think you might have this?

How are you managing it?

What medicine are you on and how is it working for you?

What dose are you taking?

Do you have any health conditions that have contributed to getting this?

Have you been exposed to anything in the environment that may have impacted your thyroid health?

Don’t be afraid to have the conversation. Your thyroid health is nothing to ignore. It’s also nothing to be taken lightly. It literally is your bodies thermostat. Just like a car’s thermostat if yours isn’t working right yours will wreak havoc on your whole system.

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