This month: hypothyroidism
So, what is hypothyroidism?
Also called underactive thyroid, it is a disorder of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Common signs of the condition are tiredness and weight gain.
What causes it?
Either the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, or damage to the thyroid that occurs during some treatments for an overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer.
How can you avoid it?
There’s no way to prevent it. However, it can be treated by taking daily hormone tablets to replace the hormones the thyroid isn’t making.
Why talk about it now?
A new article in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings claims that Lisa del Giocondo was suffering from hyperthyodism.
Who is she?
An Italian noblewoman, wife of a wealthy Florentine silk merchant and (more importantly) the model who posed for Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting the Mona Lisa.
Wait a minute, I thought she suffered from familial hyperlipidemia and premature atherosclerosis!
You are not alone in these thoughts. Research by rheumatologists and endocrinologists published in 2004 also suggested that this was the case, citing visible skin legions and hand swelling as the evidence.
Why the new theory?
Hypothyroidism is thought to be a more likely diagnosis, given that Lisa del Giocondo lived to be 63. Had she suffered from heart disease and a lipid disorder, it’s unlikely she would have lived to such an advanced age, given the limited treatments in 16th century Italy.
Why do the Mona Lisa's eyes follow you around the room?
Da Vinci was a very good painter.
Image credit | iStock