THYROID DISEASE

Read and learn more about underactive thyroid gland. For more, visit the Thyroid Disease website ThyroidDiseaseWiki.com.

Q: What therapy is recommended for an underactive thyroid gland?

A: They usually use Synthroid (one of the commonly used drugs) as hormone replacement therapy. Of course taking in iodine can help too, (if you don’t take in much of this.. like using iodized salt) since it is necessary to make the hormones..

Q: Underactive to overactive thyroid gland in 6 months?
I’ve been taking 25mcg levothyroxine for several years for a slightly underactive thyroid gland.
My last TSH back in January was 6.52. I have just had it rechecked and it is now 0.05! How is this possible given that I have been taking such a small amount of medication?
Also, is there a possibility that I might lurch from underactive to overactive on a regular basis now? I am female and 50. Thanksxx

A: It could be the time of day you tested as well. TSH changes throughout the day. It should always be done first thing in the morning when its near its high point. The TSH is the least reliable thyroid test because of the fluculations. A free t4 and free t3 will tell if you are really hyper now.

Q: would it be ok for me to take the contraceptive pill as i have an underactive thyroid gland?
i take thyroxine tablets everyday for my thyroid. just wondering would the contraceptive pill be dangerious

A: Being on levothyroxine in the appropriate dose, returns thyroid patients entirely to normal. Your risks on the pill would be identical to anyone else.

Q: Is it safe to take slimming pills containing bladderwrack if you have an underactive thyroid gland?

A: Slimming pills are generally bad for your health period.

Q: Could i have an underactive thyroid gland?
My symptoms are:
-Weight gain (quite big amount)
-Hair loss
-Dry skin
-Itchy eyes
-Fainting (maybe not associated)
-Constipation
-Itchy throat
-Breathing trouble (could be related to my asthma)
Is it that? or could it be something else?

A: Those are all pretty tell tale symptoms of overt hypothyroidism. Don’t go do something stupid like buying hormone supplements online, this is something worth seeing your doctor about.

He/she might have you do something as simple as change your diet, but go make sure that something else isn’t going on.

Q: My friend has an underactive thyroid gland and is really depressed, what advice can i give her?

A: She is depressed because her thyroid is under active. The doctor will give her a pill to take everyday, and it may take up to 3 months for her thyroid to balance, then she will feel great. Meanwhile, be her friend. This is a hard time for her. Some days she is so down she just doesn’t want to get out of bed. Gaining weight is not unusual. Loosing hair and fingernails splitting are also possible. Taking antidepressants does NOT work for an under active thyroid. Just be her friend.

Q: I have an underactive thyroid gland what are some of the most common side effects?
the doctor has put me on synthroid and i dont see a difference he has since increased my dosage .75mcg currently
some times i feel very weird like light headed is the best way i can describe it i have had a lot of other medical tests and have all come back normal has anyone else experienced this

A: The symptoms of hypothyroidism relate to a general “slowing down” of the body’s functions. They include:
feeling tired and sleeping excessively
easily feeling the cold
dry and thickened skin
coarse, thinning hair and eyebrows and brittle nails
sore muscles, slow movements and weakness
depression and problems with memory and concentration
weight gain
constipation
fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage
heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods
There may also be swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck – a goitre.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) – occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This tends to slow down the body’s functions. Symptoms include tiredness, constipation and sensitivity to the cold.

The thyroid gland is found in the neck. It lies in front of the wind-pipe (trachea), above the level of the collar-bones and measures approximately 2 by 4 cm. It secretes hormones, which are chemicals produced by the body to help regulate how cells, and the organs made up of groups of cells, work. Hormones are sometimes called chemical messengers.

The thyroid hormones are thyroxine (also called T4 because it contains four iodine atoms) and triiodothyronine (also called T3 because it contains three iodine atoms). These are released into the blood stream.

T3 speeds up the body’s metabolism by encouraging the cells, in the muscles or the skin for instance, to work faster or to grow. Most of the T3 in the blood is converted from T4.

Over- and underactive thyroid
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is under active, with too little of the thyroid hormones being released. In contrast, hyperthyroidism occurs when there is over-production of T3 and T4, causing the body’s metabolism to “speed up”. This results in symptoms such as anxiety and feeling hot, even in cool weather. For more information, please see the separate BUPA factsheet Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Hormone production
The production of T3 and T4 is regulated by another hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropin) which is made in the pituitary gland (found in the brain). A normal level of TSH is one of the indicators that the thyroid system is working properly.

Causes of hypothyroidism
Iodine insufficiency
The chemical element iodine is a major component of thyroid hormones. Worldwide, a deficiency of iodine in the diet is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. This is much less common in the UK because iodine is contained in salt, which has iodine added to it during manufacture.

Autoimmune hypothyroidism
In the UK, and other countries where the amount of iodine in the diet is adequate, the main cause of hypothyroidism is “autoimmune hypothyroidism”.

Antibodies are proteins designed to defend the body from foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, antibodies attack the body itself. In autoimmune hypothyroidism, antibodies destroy thyroid gland cells preventing the gland from being able to release normal amounts of thyroid hormones.

A condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism. It results in a goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland, that is visible as a lump on the neck. With no goitre the condition may be called atrophic thyroiditis or primary myxoedema.

Other causes:
Congenital hypothyroidism (a condition babies are born with) happens when the thyroid gland fails to develop properly or does not produce adequate thyroid hormones. All babies in the UK are screened for this when the baby is 6-8 days old with a blood sample taken from a prick on the heel. With treatment, babies with congenital hypothyroidism develop normally.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) due to infection can lead to hypothyroidism. Also, disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, both of which are involved in the overall regulation and production of thyroid hormones, can lead to hypothyroidism.

Risk factors for hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is more common in older people.
Women are more likely to be affected than men.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism is more likely in those who have other conditions resulting from an autoimmune disorder such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, vitiligo and Addison’s disease.
Some medicines can affect the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. These include lithium carbonate (for bipolar disorder) and amiodarone (for heart rhythm abnormalities).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can initially be very mild and develop slowly. It is possible to have some of these symptoms before the amount of thyroid hormone drops below normal.

This type of mild hypothyroidism is called subclinical hypothyroidism. People affected need to be monitored by their doctor, who will watch out for further symptoms.

Occasionally, a thyroid problem, such as thyroiditis, can resolve on its own without the need for treatment. However in general, if hypothyroidism is not treated, the symptoms slowly get worse and it becomes more and more difficult to function normally.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Many of the above symptoms can be caused by conditions other than underactive thyroid. However, anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their GP. A doctor will usually discuss symptoms, perform a physical examination and then request some blood tests if he or she suspects hypothyroidism.

The first step in diagnosing hypothyroidism is to measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

When the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone, the TSH level is raised. When this abnormality is found, T4 (thyroxine) is also measured, and in autoimmune hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism due to treatment of hyperthyroidism, T4 is low.

When levels of TSH and thyroid hormones are difficult to interpret, other causes of hypothyroidism may be suspected.

The diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism is usually confirmed by the presence of particular antibodies in the blood.

Other blood tests or further investigations may also be needed. These could include an ECG (heart tracing) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to examine the nature and extent of a goitre.

Treatment
Thyroxine (T4) can be given in tablet form. The body is able to convert this to T3 just as it would if the thyroid gland were producing the thyroxine normally. It can take some time to get the dose right. It is usual to start with a low dose, building up gradually every six weeks and adjusting the dose according to TSH levels.

People usually feel much better once they are taking thyroxine. Side-effects are unusual because a missing hormone is simply being replaced. However, if too much replacement thyroxine is given, symptoms of an overactive thyroid may be experienced.

People with subclinical hypothyroidism may not have any treatment, though doctors vary in their approach. Some prefer to offer treatment. Others recommend frequent monitoring to see whether overt hypothyroidism (with symptoms) does develop.

Once the correct dose of thyroxine replacement has been established, it is usual to have annual checks of TSH.

Pregnancy and hypothyroidism
The functioning of the thyroid gland can change during pregnancy. In the first half of pregnancy it is normal for the total amount of thyroid hormone to be slightly increased.

Women with hypothyroidism need more frequent checks during pregnancy, as their thyroxine requirements tend to increase.

Five percent of women have a mild problem with the thyroid three to six months after delivery. This has an autoimmune cause and can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Although it rarely needs treatment it does mean that thyroid problems are more likely in later life.

Further information
British Thyroid Foundation
0870 7707933

http://www.btf-thyroid.org

Q: i have an underactive thyroid gland and am taking medication for it?
just wondering if i ever want a baby will this harm the development f my child??

A: No, it will not harm the development of your baby. What you are taking is the thyroid hormone that your own body cannot produce.

Q: Any women here with an underactive thyroid gland how are you affected?

A: i do have “hypothyroidism” although it wasnt allways under-it was over for quite sometime.

i take medication everyday for it, and as long as i stick to it faithfully, i have no problems. If i skip a few days, i get dull headaches, and tired.

goto—www.webmd.com–excellent site.

Q: I have being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland 5 mnts ago, ne tips or ne precautions i need to know?

A: depending on your tsh levels, you will be prescribed a synthetic thyroid med….take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning with just water. don’t eat for at least 1/2 hour and take calcium and other vitamins at least 4 hours apart….they mess with absorption. about.com and mayoclinic have lots of info on hypothyroid and you should educate yourself about it. also, there is a great yahoo health group for thyroid. It takes about 6 weeks for meds to be fully absorbed, and then you will probably have to be retested. good luck and good health.

Q: What symptons are caused by an underactive thyroid? Could swelling of the throat be the thyroid gland?
Currently on thyroid meds but having lots of symptoms like no energy, swelling on the right side of the throat, pain and weakness of the legs, edema. Does this sound like thyroid troubles?

A: Yes. youir’e having symptoms of Hypothyroidism. The dose of Throxine is low and cannot be increased very fast. Hang in there it will take time for the drug to work and later on the doctor will gradualy increase the dose. (Every three weeks).
Symptoms of underactive thyroid are feeling weak, dry skin, depressed mood, lack of energy, constipation, cold intolerance, adding weight etc.

Q: hi just got blood results back &i have an underactive thyroid gland,it runs in my family,but i dont want to?
take thyroxine,can anyone tell me anything about this condition,im just hearing negative things like [ aw you ll put on loads of weight,and you ll have to take tablets for the rest of your life ,im 39 dont smoke dont drink,am pretty active and watch what i eat, can anyone shed some light on alternative treatments or anything about this.

A: Understanding Thyroid Problems – the Basics
What Are Thyroid Problems?
Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much of these vital body chemicals results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.

7 Causes of Fatigue in Women

WebMD Feature

We are in the midst of a global energy crisis but it has nothing to do with oil. The problem is unexplained fatigue.

“The single biggest complaint I hear from my patients, day in and day out, is fatigue,” says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, MD, Director of the NYU Medical Center Women’s Heart Program and associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine.

If you are getting a healthy 7 to 8 hours a night and you’re still tired, Goldberg says it’s time for a check–up to uncover the causes for fatigue.

Read more about 7 causes of fatigue in women

Related to hypothyroidism symptoms, thyroid tests, TSH, medication, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, goiter, Underactive thyroid, synthroid, hyperthyroid, depression, thyroid surgery, thyroid disorders
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
What Causes Thyroid Problems?
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can occur in several ways:

Graves’ disease: The production of too much thyroid hormone.
Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body’s chemical balance; some goiters may contain several of these nodules.
Subacute thyroiditis: inflammation of the thyroid causes the gland to “leak” excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months.
Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland: Although rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes.
Hypothyroidism, by contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Since your body’s energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. Causes of hypothyroidism include these:

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: In this autoimmune disorder, the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.
Removal of the thyroid gland: The thyroid may be surgically removed or chemically destroyed as treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: Cold and sinus medicines, the heart medicine amiodarone, or certain contrast dyes given before some X-rays may expose you to too much iodine. You may be at greater risk for developing hypothyroidism, especially if you have had thyroid problems in the past.
Lithium: This drug has also been linked as a cause of hypothyroidism.
Untreated for long periods of time, hypothyroidism can bring on a myxedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate hormone injections.

Hypothyroidism poses a special danger to newborns and infants. A lack of thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can lead to the development of cretinism (mental retardation) and dwarfism (stunted growth). Most infants now have their thyroid levels checked routinely soon after birth. If they are hypothyroid, treatment begins immediately. In infants, as in adults, hypothyroidism can be due to these causes:

A pituitary disorder
A defective thyroid
Lack of the gland entirely
A hypothyroid infant is unusually inactive and quiet, has a poor appetite and sleeps for excessively long periods of time.

Cancer of the thyroid gland is quite rare and occurs in less than 10% of thyroid nodules. You might have one or more thyroid nodules for several years before they are determined to be cancerous. People who have received radiation treatment to the head and neck earlier in life, possibly as a remedy for acne, tend to have a higher-than-normal propensity for thyroid cancer.

Q: i have an underactive thyroid gland?
i suffer from an underactive thyroid gland and it really is getting me down. i have put on over 1 stone in weight in just a few months. i try and be good all week to try and lose weight, then at the weekend i have a treat, what happens , any weight i might have lost is put back on.
i am 37 no spring chicken but i know , when i try i can look good, i just dont want to be fat for turning 40.
i am 5ft 3inch an 11 stone.

has any one got any answers except rigerous diet and excercise that is beyound unnatural?????
PLEASE!!!!.. I AM DESPERATE.

thanks for any advise.
i have got medication 50 mgs of levelthyroxine but it does not help with the weight. i still have a sluggish metabolism.

A: Karen, have you been to your doctor for your under-active thyroid gland? If not please see your physician, he/she can prescribe medication for it.. under-active thyroid can make you gain excessive weight, and dieting will not correct the problem. I had just the opposite problem and could not gain weight, until I got the problem corrected. It didn’t matter how many calories I consumed, I could not put on a pound, I continued to lose weight. But my doctor put me on medication that corrected the problem.. It could also damage your heart and it controls other organs too.. It can make you very nervous and tired, there are lots of symptoms that you may be over looking so please see your doctor for the sake of your health. Hope I have helped in some small way. Good Luck.

p.s. I just saw your last post, sometimes it takes a while to get the level of medication your body needs… but keep seeing the doctor until the level is corrected and talk with him/her and tell them everything even if you have to make a list to take with you to your physician.

Q: underactive thyroid?
My wife and I both have an underactive thyroid glands, are the children likely to develop the same

A: Yes, genetics play a major role.

You can give your children supplements when they grow up into the appropriate age for taking pills which isn’t too far.

Q: Any foods to be avoided or eaten more of with an underactive thyroid gland???
I have just been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland which has come as a great relief to me as I can’t seem to lose the weight which I have piled on(I have always been a size 8-10 but the last couple of years I have struggled to squeeze into a size 12)I am always tired and have been taking different depression medications for the last 5 years with no luck-I finally have the answer to what has been causing me this nightmare for years!I wondered are there any foods which should be avoided with an underactive thyroid or any foods which I should try to eat more of?Many Thanks.

A: You should be able to eat whatever you please (being sensible of course and not eating junk foods). As your metabolism returns to normal on the thyroxine, you should find you start to lose the weight you have gained.