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Thyroid Health and Technology: Why ThyForLife?

Daniel Amoah — Thu, 09 May 2024 19:45:39 +0000

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the impact of modern advancements extends beyond just smartphones and smart homes. As technology rapidly evolves, it affects essentially all aspects of our lives, including thyroid health.

Millions around the world live with thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and thyroid cancer. Scientific research over the past years has led to improvements in the management of these conditions. We are currently seeing innovative technologies now more than ever making a significant impact in cardiovascular healthcare. As a health tech company, ThyForLife Health is particularly interested in leveraging technology to develop innovative solutions that empower individuals around the world in their thyroid health journeys.

In this article, we will discuss some exciting technological advancements that are shaping the present and future of thyroid healthcare. We will also briefly recount the ThyForLife story and mission.

What are some emerging technologies of relevance in thyroid healthcare today?

In a previous blog article, we discussed the current and potential applications of artificial intelligence in thyroid healthcare. However, the impact of technological advancements on thyroid healthcare is not limited to only AI.

Below, we briefly discuss some technological tools that have improved or have the potential to improve thyroid healthcare.

1. Wearable devices

Wearable technology has become increasingly popular for monitoring various health metrics. Smartwatches and fitness trackers equipped with sensors can track vital signs, including body temperature, sleep patterns, and heart rate. Imagine the exciting possibility of waking up to personalized insights about your thyroid function.

Findings from a study published in the Endocrinology and Metabolism journal in 2021 showed that using a wearable device to track heart rate changes can predict thyroid function in hypothyroid patients. This was based on the observed correlation between heart rate as measured by wearable devices and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations in patients with hypothyroidism. The researchers also suggested that this approach might also work for other thyroid conditions like thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid).

Interestingly, in an article published in Scientific Reports in November 2023, researchers demonstrated how they used artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning, to develop a system that can predict thyrotoxicosis and monitor thyroid function in individuals with thyroid problems based on their heart rate data which have been collected from their wearable devices.

2. 3D printing to facilitate thyroid surgery

Currently, 3D printing is being explored for its utility in thyroid surgeries, particularly for the purpose of preoperative evaluations. Although this technology is not yet fully developed, the goal is to equip doctors with 3D-printed models created from a patient’s CT scan. These models show the exact anatomy of the thyroid gland, including its size, location, and relationship with surrounding structures like nerves and blood vessels. This helps surgeons plan the surgery more precisely and anticipate potential challenges to reduce risks during the actual surgery. These models can also facilitate the discussion of the surgical procedure with the patient, and as a result, improve the patient’s understanding and satisfaction with the informed consent process.

3. Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, typically through video conferencing or other forms of electronic communication. Although telehealth is a broader term that encompasses telemedicine, sometimes both terms are used interchangeably.

Virtual consultations with healthcare providers are becoming increasingly popular. This can be a game-changer for individuals with busy schedules or those living in remote areas, allowing them to discuss their thyroid concerns and receive guidance from the comfort of their homes.

In a review article published in the Primary Care journal in 2022, the author points out how before the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine wasn’t widely used or studied due to regulations and limitations on payment. However, the pandemic led to looser regulations and equal insurance coverage (for both in-person and telemedicine appointments), causing a surge in the use of telemedicine.

While telemedicine doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for in-person visits, it offers significant benefits in managing thyroid health between those visits. This convenience is beneficial as it enables regular check-ins and adjustments to treatment plans without the need for frequent in-person hospital visits.

4. Mobile apps

Are you tired of juggling medication reminders and appointments? With the advent of mobile apps for people with thyroid conditions, you can now have a trusted companion to help ensure that you do not miss any medication dose again. These apps typically offer reminders for medication intake and symptom tracking. Now, you might be wondering which app to choose as your “thyroid health companion.” Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

The ThyForLife app is more than just a medication management app. Among the many benefits of using the ThyForLife app is the access to educational resources in the form of medically-reviewed articles covering a wide range of topics from lifestyle to latest research. ThyForLife also offers an anonymous global community where individuals with all types of thyroid conditions can share experiences, tips, and information. Participating in this online global community can provide valuable insights, emotional support, and a sense of belonging to those navigating the challenges of managing one’s thyroid health.

The ThyForLife story

In 2021, ThyForLife Health was founded by Natalia Lumen. However, the drive behind this initiative was sparked much earlier, dating back to a few years before the launch of the ThyForLife app on April 20, 2021.

In 2017, Natalia was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer during a routine health check. Her career as a management consultant at Bain & Company at the time took a sudden turn when she received this unexpected diagnosis. While her recovery from surgery was challenging, the long-term management of the post-thyroidectomy hypothyroidism proved even more demanding.

After experiencing challenges with managing her medication and blood test results, Natalia sought to find a solution to this problem. In the process, she learned that many people with thyroid conditions also struggle to track their health data and connect with others who understand their condition. Some of the people Natalia had interacted with shared with her how they had to resort to various methods, from paper notes to email archives, and even DIY Excel spreadsheets to manage their test results. As a result, the ThyForLife mobile app was created to provide a solution to this common problem faced by people living with various types of thyroid conditions.

For people living with thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism (the most common thyroid condition) which requires having to take daily medication for the rest of their lives, having a digital tool that makes this much easier is such a big deal. This is especially relevant when thyroid medication guidelines are taken into consideration. For those who have been newly diagnosed, it may take a while to get used to some of these guidelines.

Not only does ThyForLife help users track their medication, blood work, and weight, but it also allows users to normalize blood test results from different labs onto a single scale. Having lived in and traveled across various countries, Natalia faced the challenge of comparing blood test results due to differing units (pmol/L vs. ng/dL) and reference ranges used in different healthcare systems. The ThyForLife app addresses this problem.

In 2018, Natalia attended a Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Conference (ThyCa) in Chicago, where she appreciated the importance of community for individuals facing similar health challenges. Driven by the obvious positive impact of a supportive community on thyroid patients’ mental well-being, Natalia set out to build a community with ThyForLife. This community would extend beyond just cancer patients to encompass individuals facing chronic conditions who would benefit from a sense of belonging and connection. Today, the ThyForLife app is the only all-in-one global community platform and tracking app that provides support for all thyroid conditions and offers the opportunity to anonymously connect with other members of the thyroid community.

Having once found herself in an uncomfortable situation where she had received conflicting advice from different doctors regarding the best course of action for her condition, it became very clear to Natalia that ThyForLife should be aimed at empowering thyroid patients with their own health data. At ThyForLife Health, we believe that taking ownership of your information allows you to participate actively in your healthcare journey and make informed decisions alongside your doctors. After all, health management is a collaborative effort between patient and doctor, requiring both informed participation and professional guidance.

Our progress and the overall success we have chalked up thus far are mostly thanks to the hardworking ThyForLife team. We are proud to have had talented team members from all across the globe over the years. We are also fortunate to have a strong advisory board with members of diverse backgrounds. Our success is also in part due to the continued support from our users, our number one priority. Our goal is to widen our reach over time to the millions of people around the world living with thyroid disorders. In January 2023, the ThyForLife app was launched in 13 languages, increasing its global accessibility.

We have many exciting plans for the future, and we can’t wait to share them with you. The ThyForLife team is constantly working on providing an improved user experience as well as new features to be rolled out in the near future. One of our plans for the future is to help our users access telehealth consultations.

Thank you for making ThyForLife a part of your thyroid health journey!

The ThyForLife mobile app is currently available for free download on Android and iOS.

Key takeaways

As technology continues to advance, the future holds promising possibilities for more personalized and effective thyroid care.
Mobile apps such as ThyForLife have transformed how patients track their medications, symptoms, and blood work results, fostering self-management and informed decision-making.
Telehealth brings thyroid healthcare closer to everyone, enabling remote consultations with doctors and specialists, reducing geographical barriers.
With advancements in healthcare technology, the power of data can be more easily harnessed to personalize treatment plans, predict potential risks, and optimize health outcomes.
Technology has also facilitated community building among people living with thyroid conditions through online/virtual communities.
Natalia Lumen, the founder and CEO of ThyForLife, is a thyroid cancer survivor who created the ThyForLife app to help thyroid patients manage their thyroid health.
By leveraging technology, ThyForLife Health aims to empower thyroid patients to take charge of their thyroid health.

The post Thyroid Health and Technology: Why ThyForLife? appeared first on ThyForLife.

The story behind ThyForLife

Natalia Lumen — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 21:10:59 +0000

Natalia Lumen is the Founder & CEO of ThyForLife Health Inc., an award-winning mobile platform built for the 400M people with thyroid conditions worldwide to effectively manage and optimize their health. After living with thyroid cancer and experiencing the pains of managing one’s health data, Natalia sought to provide a solution for all thyroid conditions.

Since launching in 2020, Natalia has been named a A “Trailblazing Women to Watch in 2021”, 2020 Global Awards Winner of “Women-led Start Up of the Year”, and has been featured for her business acumen in a variety of outlets including NASDAQ, Crunchbase, BC Business, Tuck Magazine, and was a featured guest speaker at Harvard University in 2021. Previously, Natalia was a manager at a leading strategy consulting firm, Bain & Co, and had a successful tenure at the World Bank and European Bank. A 3x entrepreneur, Natalia holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, and is based in Canada.

The creation of ThyForLife was the silver lining of a challenging life hurdle for Natalia Lumen, Founder and CEO of ThyForLife, who found out that she had thyroid cancer in 2017 during a regular wellness check.

“Three years ago I was building my career as a management consultant at Bain & Company when thyroid cancer caught me by complete surprise. It came out of nowhere! Being on the operating table twice was a lot to deal with, but what came next was even more daunting.”

After struggling to manage her hormone levels with numerous daily medications and monthly blood test results, Natalia decided to create an app to help thyroid patients have all of this information at their fingertips.

According to the American Thyroid Association

More than

12%

of the US population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime

According to the American Thyroid Association

Unfortunately

60%

of people with this condition don’t know they have it

Thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland (which is in charge of regulating the body’s metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature) produces hormones above or below optimal levels. This can lead to a host of different symptoms, such as fatigue, increased heart rate, headache, depression, weight gain or loss, and sleep deprivation. If left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of heart problems, mental health issues and even infertility.

“I’d love to share with you what the key pain points are for a thyroid patient and why it’s so important for us to do what we do, and do it well,” shared Natalia. “Imagine having to rely on daily medication to sustain your life. If I stop taking thyroid hormone medication, I essentially deprive my body of a critical-to-life hormone and die. Brutal, right? Medication has to be taken at the same time every day, at least four hours after and one hour before any food intake, and at least four hours before any calcium. When I take my medication in the morning, this means no cereal with yoghurt or coffee with milk. No multivitamins and no breakfast within an hour of waking up. Religiously taking a pill once a day is not as easy as it sounds.”

A mobile app is even more compelling because of the need to track all one’s blood work results.

In my case, I have had to do blood work every few months and track essential hormones, such as TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), Free T4 (Thyroxine) and Free T3 (Triiodothyronine), in order to establish what dosage of medication I should take. It’s extremely complex to figure out for someone newly diagnosed, and often still a struggle for those who have been coping for years. T4 substitute drugs are the 4th most commonly prescribed drug in the US (after pain and cholesterol medication). They are the main replacement medication for low thyroid levels and reduce the amount of TSH secreted by the body. The higher the medication dose, the more it suppresses the release of TSH. Too much T4 (either the actual hormone or substitute drug) makes the person hyperthyroid and too little makes one hypothyroid. The swings to get to the optimal level are not easy to handle. Over one’s lifetime, the dosage needs to change due to changes in lifestyle, weight changes, pregnancy and other factors. It’s not a one-time fix.”

Hypothyroidism forms the majority of all thyroid conditions, and primary care physicians recorded it as the 6th most common disease in the US, with over 3 million new patients being diagnosed every year. Additionally, a conservative assumption estimates over 150,000 people in the US who have their thyroid removed every year.

Thyroid patients are highly dependent on labs for conducting their blood tests, however many labs do measurements differently from each other. There are also different standards between healthcare systems and even between doctors. The other complication is that different labs have different measurement units.

“I’ve had my bloodwork done in Singapore, Switzerland and Canada where I’ve lived over the past years. Additionally, in Mexico and Ukraine while traveling. It’s hard to compare my measurements since different countries use different units, such as pmol/L and ng/dl, and reference ranges. I really wanted to be able to reconcile my measurements as I changed countries and doctors, and this is what we built at ThyForLife.”

During ThyForLife’s customer research, a user also confirmed, “An app would be awesome as we move internationally a lot and labs use different units, having it automatically sync with a little graph function.”

Natalia’s primary research continued at internationally acclaimed events.

“In 2018, I attended a Thyroid Patients Survivor’s Conference (ThyCa) in Chicago, US. One of the key learnings there for me was that patients really value having a community of others who are going through a similar journey. It was powerful to see the relationships forged among the attendees, who told me how essential it is for their mental health to be connected with others in their shoes. I feel the same way. This is why we are going to create a community at ThyForLife, not only for patients who have dealt with cancer, but also for those with other conditions that are slowly stripping away their lives and for whom a sense of a community would be tremendously helpful.”

Mark Zafereo, MD at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center mentioned, “For patients, ThyCa conference really gives them a chance to be part of the community and not feel alone in the diagnosis, to hear the stories of other patients, to get that support. I encourage all of my patients to get involved.”

Natalia continued, “I’d also love to debunk the myth that thyroid cancer is ‘good’ cancer because of high survival rates. It is a common misconception that ignores the impact it has on one’s quality of life, which can be significant for many. Going through radioactive iodine treatment that kills remaining thyroid cells increases the risk of secondary cancer due to one’s exposure to radiation. According to the National Cancer Society, up to 30 percent of patients deemed disease-free after initial treatment will develop recurrence (metastases) 10 to 20 years after treatment. While patients find ways to cope with the new normal, let’s not minimize the journey that the patients are going through behind the scenes.”

“I’ve spoken with dozens of people in my shoes who have all shared the pain of trying to keep track of their test results using different methods from physical pieces of paper to using their email history. Many created Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and have shown me their own versions over the years. The challenge of keeping track of everything is one of the easiest ways for thyroid patients to relate to each other.”

“The worst is when two doctors give different advice. One says increase your meds, the other says the opposite. I personally faced this situation and the only way to describe it is being completely helpless. Not even doctors agree on your course of action. That’s why our goal at ThyForLife is to help patients take control of their own data as it is extremely helpful to take ownership of the process and make informed decisions with their medical advisers. It’s an art as much as it is a science.

I really want to help everyone in the thyroid community to have an easier life. We have a lot to deal with already.

–
Natalia Lumen

In the near future, ThyForLife is planning on adding additional functions so users will be able to connect with other members in the thyroid community, set reminders for doctor appointments and access telehealth consultations.

“Together with 50 of our beta users, we created a core solution to keep track of the essentials, such as bloodwork, medication and weight. Our users have told us how important it was for them to be able to normalize blood work results from different labs on a single scale, so we built this solution for them as well,” said Natalia. “We will also be adding the thyroid tracking app to the iOS AppStore, so users will be able to track their thyroid health regardless of what platform they are using.”

We are also in the middle of creating a strong advisory board from all over the world that has a mix of backgrounds, such as endocrinology, tech, insurance and data analytics. Additionally, we have a team of six multidisciplinary interns coming from all around the world to help our cause during the summer.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but we’ve been even more fortunate as we build our company – we are being raised by a community around the world.

The post The story behind ThyForLife appeared first on ThyForLife.

How to delete your data

Aris Shaikh — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:08:24 +0000

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires ThyForLife to provide a way for our users to request that their data be deleted. To be compliant with these requirements, we prepared these instructions to help you delete your data from the app.

To request that ThyForLife delete information it has about you from our servers:

Log in to our app
Go to your Profile settings tab by tapping on More on the main Dashboard
Click the Delete account button
Click Delete on the pop-up that requests you to confirm the deletion.

After following the above steps, your account and all the information associated with it will be deleted permanently from our servers. It will not be possible to restore any data once the account is deleted permanently.

The post How to delete your data appeared first on ThyForLife.