What Minority Communities Should Know About Thyroid Health

January is Thyroid Awareness Month and the perfect time to cover what minority communities should know about thyroid health. It may be small, but your thyroid has a huge impact on how your body functions. This butterfly-shaped gland, located in the front of the neck, makes hormones to regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and even body temperature! 

“More than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime,” according to The American Thyroid Association, but studies show that racial and ethnic minorities experience the worst outcomes. A recent article published by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM) lists factors that contribute to disparities in thyroid care, including:

●    Socioeconomic status and economic stability

●    Language

●    Education

●    Health literacy,

●    Health care systems and health policy

In addition to these social determinants of health, The JCEM also reports that non-white patients are less likely to receive a timely referral and diagnosis and more likely to present with advanced disease and more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. They are also less likely to receive the appropriate treatment, contributing to lower overall survival rates in Black and Hispanic populations.

To increase awareness of thyroid health and empower patients, here is some information on the signs and symptoms to watch for, how to get diagnosed, and treatments to improve outcomes in minority communities.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone, which can lead to high cholesterol and heart issues. Signs and symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, muscle aches and weakness, dry skin, constipation, sensitivity to cold, abnormal heart rate, depression, memory problems, hoarseness, and a puffy face. A complete list can be found here.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Signs and symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, weight loss, thickened or flaking nails, anxiety, sleep problems, heat intolerance and sweating, heart palpitations, nausea and diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, hand tremors, high blood pressure, protruding eyes, and a visibly enlarged thyroid (goiter). A complete list can be found here.

How to get Diagnosed

Thyroid disease can be caused by genetics and autoimmune conditions, inflammation after pregnancy or viral infection (also known as thyroiditis), taking certain medicines, a lack of iodine or too much iodine (from foods or medical imaging tests with contrast dye), thyroid nodules, and pituitary tumors. During your office visit, inform your doctor of any symptoms you are experiencing. The thyroid is examined by gently feeling your neck for a goiter or nodules. A blood test (and sometimes a thyroid ultrasound or biopsy) may be ordered to confirm a diagnosis. 

Effective Treatments

You can’t prevent thyroid disease (in most cases), and there is no cure for this common, chronic condition. But thankfully, it is treatable! If your thyroid is underactive, your doctor may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement medicine. Your doctor will periodically monitor your thyroid hormone levels and adjust your dose as needed.

If your thyroid is overactive, medicines may be prescribed to stop your thyroid from making too much hormone. For significant cases of hyperthyroidism, treatments may include radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Thyroid cancer may also be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

If not treated in a timely manner, thyroid disease can lead to other complications including but not limited to abnormal heart rhythm, stroke, congestive heart failure, and depression. But a timely diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent such complications. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your personal doctor. 



Growing up in North Philadelphia, the Twin Sister Docs witnessed a massive gap between their community and its healthcare professionals. Boasting a largely African American and Latinx population, the community’s needs were largely neglected by medical establishments made up primarily of non-African American doctors with no ties to the neighborhoods in which they practiced. This neglect not only produced skepticism; it also drove a wedge between the community and the medical services they desperately needed. The Twin Sister Docs, recognizing they have a unique role to play, seek to bridge that gap, restore trust in medical professionals and transform these multicultural communities through reliable health care.

The Contents of the TwinSisterDocs website, such as text, graphics, and other material contained on the site ("content") are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Further, the response to questions should be viewed as general health information and not as clinical advice or treatment from TwinSisterDocs (Delana Wardlaw, MD and Elana McDonald, MD). Always seek the advice of your personal physician or health care provider with any specific questions you may have regarding any medical condition.