9% of Québec adults report being diagnosed with a thyroid disease

Oct 13 2009

New research reveals 9 percent of Québec adults report being diagnosed with a thyroid disease. The thyroid gland produces the hormones that regulate our growth, maturation, speed of metabolism and sensitivity to other hormones. Although more prevalent among Quebeckers over age 50, thyroid diseases may also strike teens and young adults who fail to recognize mood swings, weight gain or loss or depression as common symptoms of a thyroid disorder. Untreated thyroid disorders may lead to heart disease, clinical depression, osteoporosis and infertility. In pregnant women, an untreated thyroid disorder may increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, learning disabilities and other developmental problems in children.

B-roll footage includes: - Interview with leading endocrinologist Dr. Andree Boucher - Dr. Boucher examining hypothyroidism patient - Interview with young adult hypothyroidism patient Maggie, diagnosed in her teens - Scenes of Maggie performing everyday activities - Interview with Ashok Bhaseen, President, Thyroid Foundation of Canada - Animation depicts: - Healthy thyroid gland developing into diseased thyroid gland - Underactive thyroid (under-production of hormones) vs overactive thyroid (over-production of hormones) - Map showing regional prevalence of thyroid disorders in Canada