Information about the thyroid

By Dr. LAURA ARCHULETA

Hey, Doc! Can you check my thyroid?
The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple.  Its job is to regulate the body's metabolic processes: heart rate, digestion, burning calories and so on.  When the thyroid gland isn't working correctly, it can cause a whole host of symptoms, many of which are vague and easily overlooked.
The most common thyroid problem is hypothyroidism.  In this disorder, the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Since the thyroid regulates metabolism, lack of the hormone can make a person feel like he or she is moving in slow motion.
Fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, body aches and constipation are the most common symptoms, but people also may notice changes in their hair, skin and nails.  Depression and other mood changes also can be part of hypothyroidism.
While these symptoms may not seem serious, hypothyroidism can have severe consequences.  Long-term lack of thyroid hormone can cause stress on many of the body's organs, especially the heart.  It also weakens bone and can lead to osteoporosis.
There are several causes of hypothyroidism.  Hashimoto's disease is the most common.  This is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies that are supposed to fight off diseases start to attack the thyroid gland.  Other causes are previous treatments of overactive thyroid, surgery on the thyroid gland or certain medications.  Sometimes pregnancy can induce thyroid problems in women.  Rarely, infants can be born with an underactive thyroid gland.
Thyroid problems usually can be detected in blood work.  Simple blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormones in the body and give hints on how well the gland is functioning.
Sometimes, ultrasound is used to take pictures of the gland.  This can rule out goiter, a noncancerous mass on the thyroid.  It also can tell us if the gland is abnormally enlarged.  Occasionally, advanced tests like biopsies or nuclear scans may be necessary. In many cases though, blood work is all that is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
An underactive thyroid can be treated with medication to boost the hormone levels.  Changes don't happen overnight, though.  It can take weeks to months for the body to return to normal functioning. After the medications have had time to work, blood work may be repeated to be sure that the dose is correct and the hormone levels are where they should be.
The thyroid gland plays an important role in keeping the body functioning properly.  When the gland is underactive, it can cause vague symptoms that are often difficult to diagnose.  Still, thyroid dysfunction usually responds well to simple treatments like medication. If you'd like to learn more, talk to your doctor at your next appointment.
(Dr. Laura Archuleta is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Hospice & Palliative Medicine. Archuleta has special interests in pediatrics, natural family planning and end-of-life care. She lives in Bismarck with her husband and three children.)

Posted in Health-med-fit on Sunday, June 13, 2010 2:00 am