Thyroid disease is any benign or malignant condition that affects the structure or functioning of the thyroid gland,1 affecting its ability to produce the hormones required for proper metabolism.
Common manifestations of thyroid disease in women include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer. The most common cause of thyroid disorders worldwide is iodine deficiency. In areas where iodine deficiency is not prevalent, such as in the U.S., thyroid disease in women is generally the result of autoimmune disease.2
Thyroid disease can affect anyone at any age, but is most prevalent among females.3
- Globally, 2 billion people are at risk for iodine deficiency that may lead to thyroid disease.4
- It is estimated that 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease.5
- Thyroid disease is more prevalent in women than in men, at a ratio of 8:1.6