You wouldn’t know, watching actress Sofia Vergara strut around the screen in Modern Family, that this vivacious actress is living with hypothyroidism.
Every night before she goes to bed, the multi-award nominated actress places a glass of water and a small lilac pill on her nightstand. Every morning, as soon as she opens her eyes, the first thing she does is swallow the pill. She showers and, half an hour later, she has her coffee and breakfast: “That’s my routine; exciting, right?”
Sofia Vergara’s Journey with Hypothyroidism
Sofia’s was diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was 28 years old, a rare condition that affects around 1% of the population. According to a recent interview on Huffington Post, her condition was discovered by chance in 2000. She had taken her son, Manolo, to a doctor’s appointment, and while there, the doctor convinced her to have a check-up as well. By simply feeling her throat, he was able to ascertain that her thyroid was abnormal.
“I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to have my thyroid removed. As a result, I have a hypothyroid condition and need to take medicine to treat it.” She adds that despite what she has experienced, everything happens for a reason.
“My health issues changed my way of thinking; I’ve been more careful and have made different choices because of all this.”
Follow the Script For Your Thyroid
One of these choices was to help raise awareness of hypothyroidism. She is the spokeswoman for a new campaign called “Follow the Script”, which aims to educate those living with hypothyroidism about the importance of being consistent with the treatment your doctor prescribes. Made possible by AbbVie, pharmaceutical research, and development company based in the USA, the campaign also offers interactive polls, symptom and treatment information, helpful “scripts” for speaking with your doctor and pharmacist, as well as stories and videos from other individuals with hypothyroidism.
As Sofia says: “In my career, I’m known to ad-lib and go off-script – but not when it comes to my health. I make sure to ‘Follow the Script’, so I get exactly what my doctor prescribed. This is so important to me because you can’t enjoy what you have without your health.”
She believes that her health challenges have made her stronger and wiser, and have given her the courage to achieve whatever she sets out to do. Sofia adds: “You know, with hypothyroidism, I’m careful. I get my blood levels checked every three to six months, and see my doctor when I need to.” She explains that it is vital that you take control of your own health; you need to get your blood tested and work with a doctor who is right for you, as this is a lifelong relationship. “We are all important. We have success and challenges, riches and wealth and spirit, and everything else life offers. But you can’t enjoy what you have without your health.”
Your thyroid and you
Disorders of the thyroid are considered some of the most common health conditions in the world, affecting around 1,6 billion people worldwide. International Thyroid Week, held in May, aims to raise awareness of the importance of having your thyroid checked regularly.
The concern is that thyroid problem are easily confused with other conditions, which can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. “International Thyroid Week brings to light the importance of understanding the common signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Beyond this, there is also the aim of educating people about the critical role the thyroid gland plays in our wellbeing,” explains Francois Smuts, Merck’s medical affairs manager for southeast Africa.
The thyroid is the endocrine gland found in your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is essential for wellbeing, as this gland produces hormones to allow for the healthy working of the heart; it controls how quickly your body uses energy and makes proteins, and controls the body’s sensitivity to other hormones. Considered one of the most important glands in your body, the thyroid assists with the regulation of body temperature; regulation of body weight; glucose and lipid metabolism; growth and development; bone metabolism; regulation of the cardiovascular system; muscle function; brain function; nervous-system function; fertility and pregnancy; and general wellbeing of your psyche.
Thyroid disorders
These include hyperthyroidism, which is abnormally high thyroid activity, and hypothyroidism, which is abnormally low activity.
Hyperthyroidism signs and symptoms
- Protruding eyes
- very fast heart rate
- trembling hands
Adam Gregor/Shutterstock - hair loss
- frequent bowel movements
- weight loss
- excessive sweating
- muscle weakness
- unusual sensitivity to heat
- increased appetite
- thin and very smooth skin,
- abnormal menstrual periods
Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms
- Fatigue
- drowsiness
- weakness
- not being able to tolerate the cold
- weight gain or increased difficulty in losing weight
- depression
- constipation
- thin and brittle hair,
- dry skin
If left untreated, thyroid dysfunction can have potentially life-threatening complications, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart disease.
Women who have gone through menopause are also at an increased risk of osteoporosis or fractures. If you suspect that you, or a member of your family, have a thyroid disorder, it is vital that you speak to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can check your symptoms, recommend appropriate tests and prescribe the required treatment to ensure that you live a healthier and more productive life.