THYROID AWARENESS By: Karen Carbone January is thyroid awareness month. At least 30 million Americans have a thyroid disorder and half-15 million-are silent sufferers who are undiagnosed, according to The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Women are as much as 10 times as likely as men to have a thyroid problem. What causes your thyroid to not work properly? It could be genetics, an autoimmune condition, pregnancy, menopause, stress, nutritional deficiencies, or the environment, but experts aren't entirely sure. What is the Thyroid? Page 1 of 5
The thyroid is a small gland, shaped like a butterfly, located in the lower part of your neck. The function of a gland is to secrete hormones. The main hormones released by the thyroid are triiodothyronine, abbreviated as T3, and thyroxine, abbreviated as T4. These thyroid hormones deliver energy to cells of the body. What Diseases and Conditions Affect the Thyroid? The most common problems that develop in the thyroid include: " Hypothyroidism -- An underactive thyroid. " Hyperthyroidism -- An overactive thyroid. " Goiter -- An enlarged thyroid. " Thyroid Nodules -- Lumps in the thyroid gland. " Thyroid Cancer -- Malignant thyroid nodules or tissue. " Thyroiditis -- Inflammation of the thyroid. Symptoms Just as the types of thyroid conditions can vary, so can the symptoms of thyroid problems. Some of the more common symptoms of thyroid disease include: " Nervousness, insomnia and tremor " Mental fogginess and poor concentration " Menstrual changes " Feeling bloated/fluid retention Page 2 of 5
" Racing heartbeat or fluttering sensation " Aches and pains " Weight gain " High cholesterol levels " Temperature issues (either heat or cold intolerant) " Low libido " Hair thinning or loss " Fatigue " Depression " Appetite changes " Dry skin " Hypertension " Erratic bowel habits How are thyroid disorders diagnosed? In addition to thorough medical history and physical exam, specialized tests are used to diagnose thyroid disorders. Blood tests are typically done to measure levels of thyroid hormones and TSH. Blood tests to identify antibodies against thyroid tissue may also be ordered by your doctor. Imaging tests are commonly used when thyroid nodules or enlargement are present. Ultrasound can visualize the consistency of Page 3 of 5
the tissue within the gland and can often reveal cysts or calcifications. However, ultrasound cannot distinguish a benign process from a malignant one. Thyroid scans using radioactive iodine are often performed to evaluate thyroid nodules. The thyroid is the only location in the body that takes up iodine, so when radioactively labeled iodine is given, it is taken up by the thyroid gland. Fine needle aspiration and biopsy are techniques that remove a sample of cells or tissue from the thyroid gland for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist. Fine needle aspiration uses a long, thin needle to withdraw a sample of cells from the thyroid. It can often be performed in the doctor's office. What is the treatment for thyroid disease? Thyroid disorders can be treated by medications or, in some cases, surgery. Treatment will depend on the particular disease of the thyroid. Thyroid medications Medications can be given to replace the missing thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism. Synthetic thyroid hormone or glandular medication is given in pill form. When hyperthyroidism is present, medications can be used to decrease production of thyroid hormone or prevent its release from the gland. Page 4 of 5
Other medications can be given to help manage the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as increased heart rate. If hyperthyroidism is not controlled with medications, radioactive ablation can be performed. Ablation involves giving doses of iodine labeled with radioactivity that selectively destroys the thyroid tissue. There are a few supplements that support the thyroid. They include selenium, iodine, zinc, copper, l-tyrosine, and vitamin B-12. Thyroid surgery Surgery can be used to remove a large goiter or a hyper-functioning nodule within the gland. Surgery is necessary when there is a possibility of thyroid cancer. If the thyroid gland is removed entirely, the individual will need to take supplemental thyroid hormone for life. Conclusion If you have one or more of the symptoms discussed previously, and suspect it's your thyroid, see your doctor and ask for a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test, Free T3, and Free T4 tests. Expect to have to be your own advocate when it comes to your thyroid. It is important to work with a physician who treats the whole person and does not just rely on the lab results. Page 5 of 5