January 1-31

Thyroid Awareness Month

Join us in raising awareness for Thyroid Awareness Month - learn the signs and symptoms, and how to protect your thyroid health!

Yearly Date

January 1

Observed in

United States

Introduction

January 1 marks the beginning of Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to educate and spread awareness about this important gland in our bodies. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ that produces hormones which help regulate body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, and many other bodily functions. It is also responsible for producing T3 and T4 hormones which are vital for proper growth and development. Despite its importance to our health, many people are unaware of the signs and risks associated with thyroid disease. So let's use this month as an opportunity to learn more about the thyroid and how we can keep ourselves healthy!

Thyroid Awareness Month Timeline

1656

Discovery of Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland was officially discovered and described by anatomist Thomas Wharton.

1891

First Thyroidectomy

The first full thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid) was successfully performed by Theodor Kocher, a Swiss surgeon.

1927

Identification of Thyroid Hormones

The two major hormones produced by the thyroid, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), were identified.

1960

TSH Test Developed

A test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was developed, allowing more precise diagnosis and management of thyroid diseases.

2000

Introduction of Thyroid Awareness Month

January was designated as Thyroid Awareness Month in the United States to promote awareness of thyroid diseases and their symptoms.

2014

Screening Recommendation

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists began recommending routine thyroid screening for adults over age 60.

How to Celebrate Thyroid Awareness Month

1 Attend an awareness event

Many communities host events like walks, talks, and fundraisers throughout Thyroid Awareness Month. Find out what's happening in your area and get involved.

2 Share thyroid facts

Share thyroid facts with friends and family on social media and other platforms to help spread awareness about the importance of thyroid health.

3 Learn about risk factors

Take some time to learn about the risk factors for thyroid disease like family history, radiation exposure, and certain medications.

4 Donate to a thyroid charity

Make a donation to a thyroid charity or organization that supports research, patient care, education, and advocacy.

5 Schedule a checkup

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked for any signs of thyroid disease. It's important to stay on top of your health.

Why Thyroid Awareness Month is Important

Awareness of thyroid diseases is low

Despite being one of the most common endocrine disorders, awareness of thyroid conditions is still incredibly low. This means that people who are experiencing symptoms go undiagnosed and untreated for too long, leading to further health complications down the line.

Effective treatment requires early diagnosis

By raising awareness about thyroid issues through Thyroid Awareness Month we can improve early detection so that people can get effective treatment sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications in the future.

Thyroid problems don't always have obvious symptoms

Thyroid problems don't always present with obvious telltale signs, making them difficult to diagnose without proper testing. By raising awareness and educating people on potential warning signs and symptoms they should look out for, more cases of thyroid disease can be identified before it's too late.