Thyroid
CAUSES, TREATMENTS & MORE INFORMATION
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CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE
- The most common cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease
- This is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the thyroid gland
- The result is damage to the thyroid, preventing it from producing enough hormones
- Hashimoto's disease tends to run in families
OTHER CAUSES
- In some cases, Hypothyroidism results from a problem with the pituitary gland, which is
at the base of the brain
1. This gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which tells the thyroid to do its job
2. If your pituitary gland doesn't produce enough TSH, levels of thyroid hormones will fall - Other causes of Hypothyroidism include temporary inflammation of the thyroid or
medications that affect thyroid function
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TREATING HYPOTHYROIDISIM
- If you are diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, your doctor will most likely prescribe thyroid hormones in the form of a pill
- This usually leads to noticeable improvements within a couple of weeks
- Long-term treatment can result in more energy, lower cholesterol levels & gradual weight loss
- Most people with hypothyroidism will need to take thyroid hormones for the rest of their lives
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CAUSES OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
GRAVES' DISEASE
- The most common cause of Hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease
- This is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland & triggers the release of high levels of thyroid hormones
- One of the hallmarks of Graves' disease is a visible & uncomfortable swelling behind the eyes
- If there is Grave's disease in your family, let your doctor know.
OTHER CAUSES
- Hyperthyroidism can also result from thyroid nodules
- These are lumps that develop inside the thyroid & sometimes begin producing thyroid
hormones - Large lumps may create a noticeable goiter
- Smaller lumps can be detected with ultrasound
- A thyroid uptake and scan can tell if the lump is producing too much thyroid hormone
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TREATING HYPERTHYROIDISM
- The most common treatment for Hyperthyroidism is anti-thyroid medication, which aims to lower the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid
- The condition may eventually go away, but many people need to remain on medication for
the long term - Other drugs may be given to reduce symptoms such as rapid pulse & tremors
- Another option is radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid gland over the course of
6 to 18 weeks - Once the gland is destroyed, or removed by surgery, most patients must begin taking t
hyroid hormones in pill form
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THYROID DISORDER COMPLICATIONS
- When left untreated, Hypothyroidism can raise cholesterol levels & make you more likely
to have a stroke or heart attack - In severe cases, very low levels of thyroid hormones can trigger a loss of consciousness
& life-threatening drop in body temperature - Untreated Hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems & brittle bones
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THYROID DISORDER OR MENOPAUSE ?
- Since thyroid disorders can cause changes in menstrual cycle & mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause
- If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit
is menopause or a thyroid disorder or a combination of the 2
Surgery for Thyroid Disorders
- Removing the thyroid gland can cure Hyperthyroidism, but the procedure is only recommended if anti-thyroid drugs don't work OR if there is a large goiter
- Surgery may also be recommended for patients with thyroid nodules
- Once the thyroid is removed, most patients require daily supplements of thyroid hormones
to avoid developing Hypothyroidism
Thyroid Cancer
- Thyroid cancer is uncommon & is among the least deadly
- The main symptom is a lump or swelling in the neck
- Only about 5% of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous
- When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, it is most often treated with surgery followed by
radioactive iodine therapy or in some cases, external radiation therapy
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Food that helps for Thyroid Patients | Food Thyroid patients should avoid
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