An Ounce of Prevention: "Your Thyroid"

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March 13, 2007	A Publication of QVHD

Your Thyroid

By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD

The human body is comprised of several complex organ systems that each have their own role in our health. The endocrine system is one example. It consists of a group of specialized organs and body tissues that produce, store and secrete chemical substances known as hormones. These hormones are the body's messengers and act to transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. It is an incredibly balanced and delicate system.

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system. In a way, it is like a thermostat as it regulates how your body metabolizes its fuel. Sometimes this gland gets out of whack and secretes too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or too little hormone (hypothyroidism.) These conditions can cause mild or severe health problems.

It is not uncommon for people to have health problems related to the thyroid. Severe symptoms will cause a person to seek health care. However, the quieter symptoms of thyroid diseases may go unnoticed for a long time, causing health problems that could be prevented with early intervention.

The most common thyroid problem is hypothyroidism or an under-active thyroid gland. This means that there is too little of the hormone secreted into the body. Usually people with this condition will need to take medication for the remainder of their life. There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism, which include fatigue, mood swings, forgetfulness, weight gain, dry coarse skin or hair, difficulty swallowing, hoarse voice, intolerance to cold, muscle soreness, cramps, or irregular or heavy periods. (Remember that many of these symptoms can also occur from other conditions.)

The opposite of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid gland) in which the gland secretes too much hormone. Treatment for this condition may include radioactive iodine treatment to inactivate thyroid tissue or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Following treatment, synthetic thyroid replacement hormones are given to restore normal functioning. Symptoms of this condition include irritability or nervousness, muscle weakness or tremors, irregular menstrual periods, weight loss, sleep disturbances, enlarged thyroid, vision problems or eye irritation, or heat intolerance. The most common hyperthyroid disease is Grave's Disease.

Because conditions of the thyroid can go undetected until overt disease occurs, it is recommended that people be tested for thyroid functioning via a very simple blood test. Talk to your doctor as there are different recommendations for testing from various professional groups. Don't try to self-diagnose. As always, be wary of sites may offer products or cures.

For a free packet of information on the thyroid gland and associated conditions, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

An Ounce of Prevention is a publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone: 248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor & Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district office.


Quinnipiack Valley Health District 1151 Hartford Turnpike North Haven, CT 06473	Phone. (203)248-4528 Fax. (203)248-6671 E-Mail. info@qvhd.org

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