During the past few months I've read a lot about thryoid disease as well, and it really seems to be common. I had no idea how many people on this board alone have it or know someone who does. It does affect women at the rate of 50-1 over men, though, and it often does run in families. In my case, my mother has it. I think the american thyroid association web page said something like 60 million americans may have it but many people don't even know they have it because often the symptoms seem to be sort of minor. It's not like you're falling down and having seizures or in horrible pain.

One thing I've learned is that even if symptoms seem to be 'subtle' if they're unusual for you, that's what matters. It occurred to me that one reason a lot of people don't know they have thyroid disease is that they aren't in great shape, probably don't exercise, are already overweight and out of shape and so if they feel tired, crappy and have aches and pains, or feel dizzy and get heart palpitations they don't notice it as much because they always feel that way!

The good thing is that if you're in good shape like we all are, then having such a condition won't be as much of a problem and treatment will be more successful.