Question about Thyroid Disorders

On January 21, 2012, In Yahoo! Answers, By Wayne

David asks…

Thyroid Disorders?

I have a thyroid disorders and was wondering do you go up on medication when the blood work shows thyroid levels too high…or do you go down

Wayne answers:

If the level is high that means your thyroid is not working properly so you get thyroid medication*. They are looking at the thyroid stimulating hormone not what the thyroid is producing (thyroxine).
* Always check with your doctor before adjusting any medication.

thyroid disorders

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Help for Hypothyroidism

On September 21, 2011, In Solutions, By Wayne

Hypothyroidism is a thyroid problem caused by an underactive thyroid gland that produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. This common condition affects millions of people.

Because the symptoms may be varied and difficult to define, often mimicking other conditions, many people with an underactive thyroid gland may be completely unaware of the problem.

To get a basic understanding of hypothyroidism, you need to familiarize yourself with the thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland found in the middle of the lower neck (below the larynx or Adam’s apple).

This gland manufactures thyroid hormones which enable the body to carry out a variety of very important functions. The thyroid works in conjunction with pituitary gland which produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

TSH in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. These thyroid hormones play a vital role in the body, influencing metabolism and all the organs in the body. They determine how fast or how slow the organs should work and how the body generates and uses energy.

When the thyroid is under-active and doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, hypothyroidism can develop. Metabolic rate and energy levels decrease and the body uses energy slower than it should.

Who Suffers from Hypothyroidism?

Underactive thyroid is a very common medical condition and statistics suggest that 1 in 50 women and 1 in 1000 men will develop symptoms of hypothyroidism. It is more common in older women and can also occur more frequently during pregnancy.

Conventional treatment usually involves the administration of synthetic or animal derived thyroid hormone replacement drugs.
Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

A blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis of an underactive thyroid gland, but does not necessarily tell you the cause. The patient’s clinical history and results of antibody screening tests and thyroid scans can help to determine the underlying cause.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not always easy to distinguish from other conditions, which makes a proper diagnosis very important. Some of the symptoms of underactive thyroid gland include:

* Thrush
* Allergies, e.g. Itching Eyes, Rashes, Hives
* Heart Palpitations
* Sore Breasts
* Stomach Bloating/Digestion Problems
* Nausea
* Itching Skin
* Low Sex Drive
* Skin Problems, e.g. Wrinkles & Age Spots
* Aching Joints & Muscle Soreness, e.g. Aching Legs & Backaches
* Motion Sickness
* Dry, Tangly Hair Or Hair Loss
* Fatigue & Exhaustion
* Depression
* Constipation
* Weight Gain Or Difficulty Losing Weight
* Brittle, Split Nails
* Swelling & Puffiness in the Eyes, Face, Arms and Legs
* Poor Concentration
* Menstrual Problems, e.g. Heavy and/or Infrequent Flow

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Help for Hyperthyroidism

On September 21, 2011, In Solutions, By Wayne

Hyperthyroidism is often referred to as an overactive thyroid and is a disorder of the thyroid, a small gland located just below the Adam’s Apple.

This gland influences many of your bodily functions, such as physical growth and development, puberty, metabolism, organ function, fertility and body temperature. Just how well the thyroid regulates these functions depends on the production of two specific hormones, called T3 and T4.

The thyroid works in conjunction with the pituitary gland in the brain. When the level of thyroid hormones drops too low, the gland in the brain produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which tells the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.

However, when the thyroid gland produces too much of these hormones, our bodies use energy faster than they should. And because the thyroid controls vital systems such as metabolism and body temperature, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) will affect the body, causing a variety of related symptoms.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

A sample of blood is the best screening method of testing for hyperthyroidism. Your health care professional will want to test the levels of T4 and T3 (the thyroid hormones) as well as the levels of TSH in your blood.

These blood tests will provide an accurate picture of how the thyroid is functioning. If the doctor feels further tests are necessary they may give a radioactive iodine uptake test. The type of radioactive iodine used for the test will not harm the thyroid or pose any risk. After 24 hours special equipment is then used to measure the amount of radioactivity over the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism symptoms vary and may include the following:

* Impotence in Males
* Muscle Spasms, Cramps, Twitching & Tremors
* Acne
* Eye Twitch
* Headaches
* Hair Loss
* Anger, Nervousness, Mood Swings or Feeling Anxious
* Stomach Problems
* Low Sex Drive
* Body Temperature Changes
* Nausea
* Diarrhea or Experiencing more bowel movements than usual
* Itchiness
* Fatigue
* Rapid heart beat
* Difficulty breathing
* Sweating more than usual
* Hair becoming brittle
* Losing weight regardless of the amount of food you eat

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What Causes Hypothyroidism?

On January 5, 2011, In Uncategorized, By Wayne

There are several potential diseases and conditions that can cause of Hypothyroidism.

* Hashimoto’s disease – This an auto-immune disease, where your antibodies, which usually ward off foreign infections or substances, turn on your own body and attack the thyroid gland, This causes inflammation in the thyroid gland, gradually affecting its ability to function and produce thyroid hormone.

* Hypothyroidism caused by thyroid gland inflammation – also called thyroiditis. This is caused when inflammation of the thyroid gland leaves a large percentage of the thyroid cells damaged and unable to produce enough hormones. This inflammation could be due to things like infection or trauma

* As a Consequence of treatment for hyperthyroidism – People who suffer from hyperthyroidism are often treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications to reduce their thyroid function. When the function is reduced too much, hypothyroidism can result.

* Thyroid surgery – Removing all or a large portion of your thyroid can diminish hormone production. If there are not enough thyroid producing cells to satisfy the body’s needs, you will develop hypothyroidism.

* Pituitary/hypothalamic disease – You could also be at risk of developing hypothyroidism if the pituitary gland fails to produce enough TSH – the hormone responsible for ‘instructing’ the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.

* Iodine deficiency – Iodine is found primarily in seafood, seaweed, plants grown in iodine-rich soil and iodized salt and is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Some areas of the world experience a severe iodine deficiency, for example India, Chile, Ecuador and Zaire.

* Radiation therapy – Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.

* Medications – A number of medications (such as lithium which is often used for psychiatric disorders) can contribute to hypothyroidism. Consult your doctor about the effect of your medications on your thyroid gland.

Tagged with: diseases and conditions • hypothyroidism • iodine deficiency • severe iodine deficiency • thyroid • thyroid gland • thyroid gland inflammation • thyroid hormone • thyroid hormones • what causes hypothyroidism

Recommended Diet for Hyperthyroidism

On January 4, 2011, In Articles, By Wayne

A meal plan for those with hyperthyroidism should consist of foods high in protein, B vitamins and iron such as whole grains and fresh vegetables. Add antioxidant rich foods into your diet, such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes, squash and bell peppers.

Foods to Avoid for Those with Hyperthyroidism

Since hyperthyroidism can be the result of too much iodine in the body, it is important to limit the intake of iodized salt, kelp, seafood, sea salt and some dairy products. Refrain from lunch meat and red meat as much as possible and avoid refined foods like white bread, pasta and sugar. Instead of using high fat cooking oils, switch to olive oil or vegetable oil. Eliminate trans fatty acids in most commercially cooked foods, these include onion ring, French fries, donuts and margarine.

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Hyperthyroidism in Infants and Children

On January 3, 2011, In Articles, By Wayne

Hyperthyroidism in infants and children is very rare. Infants diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, also called neonatal Grave’s disease, usually contract the condition from the mother. Women who have been diagnosed in the past with Grave’s disease can pass along the antibodies to their unborn children, and can lead to miscarriages or premature birth.

For infants born with hyperthyroidism, complications arise such as poor weight gain, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, bulging eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Oftentimes newborns are given medication and within a few weeks their symptoms are cleared up.

Although Grave’s Disease mainly affects women above the age of 20, it can also be the cause of hyperthyroidism in adolescent children. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in children involve restlessness and disruptive behavior at school, and are easily mistaken for something other than a thyroid condition. If the condition worsens, symptoms become more severe and include bed wetting, quickened pulse, anxiousness, heat intolerance, weight loss, rapid growth, shaking hands, muscle weakness and diarrhea.

Pregnancy and Hyperthyroidism

If you are pregnant and suspect that you may have hyperthyroidism, it is essential that you seek a professional assessment. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment is very important as hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.

In some pregnant women hyperthyroidism is a pre-existing condition. However, hyperthyroidism can also develop during pregnancy. Diagnosis is usually more difficult as pregnancy can mask the symptoms. For example, fatigue and weight gain are routinely experienced with pregnancy. Blood tests for T3 and T4 may also be inaccurate during pregnancy.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in pregnant women is Grave’s Disease with symptoms occurring during the first half of pregnancy. In most instances, mild to moderate hyperthyroidism during pregnancy will not cause problems for mom or baby – and the pregnancy can be expected to progress normally. However, severe and chronic hyperthyroidism may cause a variety of more serious complications and a correct diagnosis and treatment is therefore vital.

It is important to ask whether certain prescription medications may be passed through the placenta to your baby, and what effect this may have on your child. While prescription medication can be effective as part of a broader treatment plan, it is not always necessary.

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Thyroid Disorders

On January 2, 2011, In Solutions, By Wayne

What is the Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located just below your adam’s apple and is often described visually as a butterfly having two halves or lobes.

The thyroid release hormones that influence many bodily functions, such as physical growth and development, metabolism, puberty, organ function, fertility and body temperature. These functions depend on two hormones released from the thyroid gland: tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

The thyroid gland can produce too much of these hormones (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). These thyroid hormones play a vital role in the body, thereby influencing all organs. They also determine how fast or how slow the organs should work and when the body systems use energy.

Diagnosing a Thyroid Disorder

A blood sample is the best screening method for any thyroid disorder. A blood analysis will help determine the levels of T4 and T3 that exist in the blood and can provide a picture of how the thyroid is functioning.

If your doctor feels further tests are necessary, they may administer a radioactive iodine uptake test. The type of radioactive iodine used for the test will not harm the thyroid or pose any risk to you. After 24 hours, special equipment is then used to measure the amount of radioactivity over the thyroid gland.

Symptoms of a Thyroid Disorder

The most common symptoms of thyroid disorders are:

* An Underactive Thyroid – Hypothyroidism
The thyroid does not produce enough hormones and many symptoms of thyroid disorder in this case are related to a slow metabolism.
* An Overactive Thyroid – Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid becomes enlarged, produces too much hormone, and the body uses energy faster than it should.

Symptoms of the above disorders include:

* fatigue
* dry, coarse skin and hair
* hair loss
* hoarse voice
* forgetfulness
* mood swings
* trouble swallowing
* weight gain or weight loss
* intolerance to temperature
* irritability/nervousness
* sleep problems
* muscle weakness/tremors
* irregular menstrual periods
* vision problems or eye irritation
* infertility

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Help for Hyperthyroidism

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Tagged with: healthy energy levels • overactive thyroid • promotes thyroid gland • radioactive iodine uptake test • slow metabolism • symptoms of thyroid • symptoms of thyroid disorder • symptoms of thyroid disorders • thyroid • thyroid disorder • thyroid disorders • thyroid gland • thyroid hormone • thyroid hormones • thyroid release hormones

Thyroid Disorders natural treatments

On May 25, 2008, In Remedies, By Wayne

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located just below your adam’s apple and is often described visually as a butterfly having two halves or lobes.

The thyroid gland can produce too much of these hormones (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). These thyroid hormones play a vital role in the body, thereby influencing all organs. They also determine how fast or how slow the organs should work and when the body systems use energy.

Thyroid Disorders natural treatments

Below you will find a comprehensive set of herbal remedies from Native Remedies to help you manage and optimize your health – naturally and safely.

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The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child’s condition.

Question about Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid Disorders?

Wayne answers:

Could not find what you were looking for?

Help for Hypothyroidism

Who Suffers from Hypothyroidism?

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism Support

Help for Hyperthyroidism

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism Support

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Recommended Diet for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in Infants and Children

Thyroid Disorders

Diagnosing a Thyroid Disorder

Symptoms of a Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid Support

Thyroid Disorders natural treatments

Thyroid Disorders natural treatments

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Thyroid Disorders?

Wayne answers:

Could not find what you were looking for?

Who Suffers from Hypothyroidism?

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism Support

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism Support

Diagnosing a Thyroid Disorder

Symptoms of a Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid Support

Thyroid Disorders natural treatments

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Recent Posts

Friends and Links

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