Nearly one in eight women will develop some type of thyroid condition in their lifetime.  Despite its frequency, however, thyroid disorders are too often missed, misdiagnosed, or mistreated.  Perhaps the most glaring example of this was experienced by 4-time Olympic sprinter and hurdler, Gail Devers, who was critically ill for more than a year before her condition was properly diagnosed and treated.  Once the fastest woman in the world, thyroid disease slowed her down and almost took her out.  Once a champion on the track, Gail Devers is now a champion of women's health, sharing her experiences in order to help others.

"The symptoms that I had were fatigue, depression, weight loss (I was at my worst under 89 pounds), hair loss and there were just a wide range of symptoms that I had."

"What I want women to know is that if you're having any of these symptoms from fatigue, depression, weight loss, weight gain, dry hair, brittle nails. . . just two of those symptoms, you need to talk to your doctor about having a very simple blood test called a TSA, so you can get your life back on track like I did."

For more information on thyroid disease, join us tomorrow or click here for related information.

Created: 11/27/2000  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.