Download Omaha, NE 68144 | 402-778-5250 A Look at Thyroid Disease

ENT Consultants, LLC
A Look at Thyroid Disease
A Look at Thyroid Disease
What Is the Thyroid?
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland covering the windpipe in your neck. It is part of the
endocrine system, a network of glands which regulate tissue and organ function by secreting
hormones into the bloodstream. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and growth and
development with thyroid hormones (T4, T3). Thyroid hormones regulate cell metabolism (energy
production), which affects nearly every organ and cell in the body.
When the thyroid gland produces less hormones than the body needs, the result is hypothyroidism.
When more hormones are produced than necessary, the result is hyperthyroidism. Timely
detection and proper treatment of these conditions allows people to lead normal, active lives. Left
untreated, serious negative health effects can result.
What Are the Symptoms?
What clues should you be looking for? If you have any of the following symptoms, or you suspect
there is a problem with your thyroid, contact your doctor.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid is not producing enough hormones, body systems are slowed. Hypothyroidism
may cause:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Slow mental activity with poor memory
Slow physical activity
Weakness and fatigue
Cold intolerance
Dry skin and hair loss
Depressed mood
Problems with menstruation
Constipation
2727 S 144TH ST #250 | Omaha, NE 68144 | 402-778-5250
ENT Consultants, LLC
A Look at Thyroid Disease
Complications of untreated hypothyroidism may include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Goiter—An enlarged thyroid gland.
Heart-related diseases, such as heart failure, or high cholesterol.
Depression.
Peripheral neuropathy.
Infertility.
Myxedema—Swelling and thickening of the skin. If left untreated, myxedema can eventually lead
to a coma.
Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid produces too many hormones, body systems are sped up. Hyperthyroidism may
cause:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rapid heartbeat
Increased sweating
Nervousness
Tremors in the hand
Anxiety
Irritability
Difficulty sleeping
Problems with menstruation • Frequent bowel movements
Complications of untreated hyperthyroidism include:
•
•
•
•
•
Abnormal heart beats, known as arrhythmias or atrial fibrillation
Heart failure
High blood pressure
Sudden cardiac arrest
Osteoporosis
Subclinical Thyroid Conditions
There are subclinical versions of these thyroid conditions. This occurs when you do not have
symptoms, but abnormalities show up in routine blood tests.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are associated with increased risk of heartrelated
health conditions. It is generally recommended that subclinical thyroid disorders be treated,
2727 S 144TH ST #250 | Omaha, NE 68144 | 402-778-5250
ENT Consultants, LLC
A Look at Thyroid Disease
although there is some controversy. Your doctor may suggest a wait and see approach before
deciding on a course of action.
How Is a It Diagnosed?
If you have any of the above symptoms or have risk factors for developing a thyroid disease, talk to
your doctor. Tests can be ordered that will assess how your thyroid is functioning.
For example, the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test may be done. TSH, a hormone produced
by the pituitary gland, triggers the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormone. The level of TSH in
your body provide a good indicator of how your thyroid is working. If you have a higher-thannormal level, this may mean that you have hypothyroidism. Conversely, a lower-than-normal level
may indicate hyperthyroidism. The amounts of thyroid hormones T4 and T3 can also be checked.
A thyroid antibody test can also be ordered. If your body identifies the thyroid as foreign, antibodies
are created to attack it. This attack can lead to damage and an increase in the production of
thyroid hormones. Depending on which antibodies are present, your doctor can determine the type
of thyroid disease you have.
What Treatments Are Available?
Hypothyroidism
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, normal thyroid levels may be attained by supplementing
the body's hormone with a synthetic hormone medication. This medication is available in tablets
and must be taken daily for life. The dosage prescribed by a doctor is carefully and gradually
adjusted until a normal TSH level has been achieved. The TSH test will have to be repeated to
make sure that the dosage continues to be appropriate.
Taking too much of this medication can cause you to have the hyperthyroidism, so it is important
that you work closely with your doctor to keep TSH at the right level.
Hyperthyroidism
If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the treatment is more complex and can include
antithyroid drug therapy, beta-blockers, and radioactive iodine treatment. In some cases, thyroid
surgery may be done, which involves removing the thyroid gland.
Remember, if you are experiencing symptoms or have a family history of thyroid disease, do not be
afraid to ask your doctor to do a diagnostic test. Timely detection and treatment of a thyroid
disorder can greatly enhance your quality of life—for the rest of your life.
2727 S 144TH ST #250 | Omaha, NE 68144 | 402-778-5250
ENT Consultants, LLC
A Look at Thyroid Disease
Published by EBSCO Publishing. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new
and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be
a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other
qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a
medical condition.
2727 S 144TH ST #250 | Omaha, NE 68144 | 402-778-5250