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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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March 18, 2008 |
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, constipation, muscle soreness, cramps, or
irregular or heavy periods. (Remember that many of these symptoms can
also occur from other conditions.) Medications used to treat
hypothyroidism work to replace the hormone. The approved medication for
this condition is called levothyroxine sodium, which is identical to the
natural thyroid hormone produced by the body. (Brand names include
Synthroid, Levoxyl and Levothroid.) These medicines come in pill form
and are usually taken once a day. Side effects mostly occur because of
an overdosage of the medication. Most often, persons with hypothyroidism
will have to take medication for the rest of their lives.
The opposite of hypothyroidism is hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid
gland) in which the gland secretes too much hormone. Symptoms of this
condition include irritability or nervousness, muscle weakness or
tremors, fatigue, heart palpitations, 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. There are currently two drugs approved for
treatment of hyperthyroidism. They are propylthioracil (PTU) and
methimazole (Tapezole.) These drugs come in pill form and are usually
given three times a day. Other treatment options 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.
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 can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request online
at www.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. |
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