NHS symptoms of 'deadly' condition that takes four years to diagnose

Medics have listed the symptoms of potentially deadly conditions relating to thyroid issues. A recent study by the University of Aberdeen, in partnership with several leading thyroid charities, found that it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid condition to be diagnosed.

It is thought that around on in 20 people have or will be affected by thyroid cancer. But it often takes years to diagnose due to its symptoms overlapping with various other conditions.

Research looking into 1,200 patients revealed that in almost two-thirds of cases multiple appointments and a worsening of symptoms were required before a diagnosis was made. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism.

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These hormones are known as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). They can cause unpleasant and potentially serious problems if their levels are too high or too low. An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men and typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, SurreyLive reports.

The thyroid is described as a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just in front of the windpipe. The symptoms of an underactive thyroid can often mimic those of other conditions such as the menopause. They typically develop and can go unnoticed for years.

The signs of an underactive thyroid can include:

• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Being sensitive to the cold
• Dry skin and hair
• Muscle aches

The signs of an overactive thyroid can include:

• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
• Mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping
• Persistent tiredness and weakness
• Sensitivity to heat
• Swelling in your neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
• An irregular and/or unusually fast heart rate (palpitations)
• Twitching or trembling
• Weight loss

If you're experiencing symptoms of either an underactive or overactive thyroid, it's recommended to book an appointment with your GP. A spokesperson for The University of Aberdeen said: "One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with women six times more likely to suffer from the condition than men.

"Posing serious implications for the physical, mental and emotional life of those affected, thyroid patients are at greater risk of experiencing long-term sick leave and impairment of working ability.

"The study gathered data on almost 1,200 patients’ experience from the onset of symptoms through diagnosis and treatment and beyond. In total, 95% of the respondents were women.

"It found it takes an average of 4.5 years for a thyroid condition to be diagnosed, with this taking considerably longer for patients with hypothyroidism. In most cases (almost two thirds of respondents) it took multiple appointments and a worsening of the severity of symptoms before a diagnosis was made."

Professor Alexandros Zangelidis said: "The evidence that emerges from this survey confirms that thyroid diseases have serious implications for the life of patients, with adverse and long-lasting consequences on their wellbeing and their ability to engage with and interact with social activities and work long after they get a diagnosis."

Professor Catia Montagna added: "Patients, on average, do not feel they are being heard by the medical profession and do not feel empowered during their medical journey. Given that it affects one in 20 people in the population, its impact should be much more prominently reflected in the Scottish and UK Governments' women’s health strategy."

The only way to confirm a thyroid issue is through a thyroid function test, which involves a blood sample being taken to measure hormone levels. Treatment for thyroid issues usually involves medication.

An underactive thyroid is treated with daily hormone replacement tablets known as levothyroxine to increase thyroxine levels, while an overactive thyroid is generally treated with medicine that prevents your thyroid from producing excess hormones.