Medications
If you have hypothyroidism your doctor will most likely prescribe a synthetic thyroid drug consisting of a single hormone called T4. The body then converts this to an active form of the hormone called T3. known as thyroxine, this medication is available under the brand name Oroxtine, which is the
HYPERTHYROIDISM: AN OVERACTIVE THYROID GLAND
Hyperthyroidism, in which an overactive thyroid produces too much hormone, is the mirror image of hypothyroidism. Instead of everything in your body slowing down, it all speeds up. The pre-dominant symptoms are nervousness and jitteriness, although eventually a sense of fatigue usually prevails. (Think of the effect on a car engine when the idle is set too high: it's a good comparison to what's happening in your body.)
Hyperthyroidism is five times more common in women and strikes most often between the ages of 30 and 40. Left untreated, it may cause a condition doctors term a 'thyroid storm', a life-threatening burst of thyroid overactivity marked by fever and extreme weakness that requires emergency care.
Graves' disease
Almost all hyperthyroidism is due to Grave's disease, a condition in which the immune system produces an abnormal antibody that excessively stimulates the production of thyroid hormone. Graves' disease may be accompained by a goitre (a swelling in the neck), bulging eyes and tremor of the hands. Another fairly common cause of hyperthyroidsim is taking too much replacement thyroid hormone during treatment for under-active thyroid. Finally, especially in women who inflamed, causing a condition called thyroiditis. In this situation, sometimes a period of hyperthyroidism is followed by hypothyroidism. Usually, the latter is only a passing phase (see on shortly).
Thyroid nodules
Nodules (adenomas) can also grow on the thyroid gland. They usually develop over many years, and may occur alone or in clusters. Most are bening. Nodules need to be checked regularly by a physician, who may order tests with radioactive idodine to indicate whether they are 'hot' or 'cold'. Hot nodules can start producing excess thyroid hormone, necessitating treatment for hyperthyroidism. Cold modules don't produce any hormone but should be monitored for cancercous changes. In rare cases, cancer does occur in a solitary nodule.
Treatment options
The treatment for hyperthyroidism involves reducing the production of thyroid hormone. This is accomplished in one of three ways. medications, radiation or surgery.
Medications
Your doctor may suggest one of two oral prescription antithyroid drugs--carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole) or propylthiouracil-to decrease the production of thyroid hormone. A beta-blocking drug, such as propranolol (Inderal), may be added to relieve symptoms such as shakiness and rapid heartbeat. Most doctors recommend that antithyroid drug therapy last for no more than a couple of years. After that, they usually propose radioactive iodine therapy.
Radioactive iodine
Taken as a single oral capsule, radioactive iodine (I131) is gathered up by the thyroid. It destroys part of the gland and thus reduces its hormone output. Eventually, this treatment results in permanent hypothyroidism, which is then treated with daily thryoid hormone tablets. Radioactive iodine is not to be used by pregnant women because it will destroy the thyroid of the foetus as well.
Surgery
In some cases, part of the thyroid is removed surgically (thyroidectomy). This is often the choice during pregnancy, when the other forms of therapy can damage the thyroid of the developing foetus. It's also used when thyroid cancer is suspected. Again, hypothyroidism may result.
Diet
Until your medication takes effect, you'll need extra protein, and vitamins and minerals (from fruit and vegetables) to keep key nutrients from being depleted by your hyped-up metabolism. Be sure to include such thyroid-fighting foods as raw cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) and raw peanuts. Avoid iodised salt and iodine-rich foods. Eat calcium-rich foods or take supplements to counteract bone loss from excess thyroid hormone.
Vitamins
Take a B-complex and vitamin C to promote healthy functioning of your thyroid and immune system.
Eyedrops
Anyone with a problem of bulging eyes accompanying hyperthyroidism should certain be closely followed by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). You may need eyedrops for dry eyes, a change in your prescription if you wear eyeglasses and even surgery if your eyelids fail to close completely.
the brand name Oroxine, which is the oldest and probably the most widely prescribed, and Eutroxsig.
Once you start on this medication you often don't feel the effects for a number of weeks; in fact it may be a few months before you really start to feel better. This is especially true if you are elderly or have a history of heart disease because your doctor is more likely to start you on very low doses of thryoxine and increase them gradually so as not to put too much strain on your heart.
There is a natural alternative although it is not widely available in Australia and New Zealand. Marketed under the brand name Armour, this preparation is derived from dried animal thyroid glands and contains some dose-to-dose inconsistencies. It contains both hormones, T3 and T4.
Finally, if you are intolerant of thyroxine or you don't improve sufficiently on this treatment, your doctor may suggest adding a synthetic form of T3 to your regimen called liothyronine (Tertroxin). This combination seems to work well for a few select patients.
POSTPARTUM THYROIDITIS
Following 5-10% of pregnancies women suffer a painless inflammation of their thyroid gland known as postpartum thyroiditis. This usually occurs from eight weeks to four months after giving birth. The exact cause of this condition is not yet unknown.
Symptoms vary from woman to woman and are related to which course the thyroiditis follows. The three possibilities are a hyperthyroid phase followed by a return to normal thyroid function, a hypothyroid phase alone or a hyperthyroid phase followed by a hypothyroid phase.
Postpartum thyroiditis is diagnosed by measuring thyroid hormone levels in your blood. In the majority of cases the condition gets better by itself so treatment tends to be directed towards managing troublesome symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
The following self-help strategies can be very valuable in managing your hypothyroidism:
A goitre,an enlarged thyroid gland that produces a bulge in the neck, can develop in some cases of hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism. If you have a goitre that is interfering with breathing or swallowing, you may need surgery to remove it.
Natural methods
People with hypothroidism tend to develop elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine. This can be a risk factor for heart disease. Vitamins, specifically folic acid and B12, will lower homocysteine levels. Taking a vitamin C and a B-complex tablet can improve thyroid function and help regulate your immune system.
If you have hypothyroidism your doctor will most likely prescribe a synthetic thyroid drug consisting of a single hormone called T4. The body then converts this to an active form of the hormone called T3. known as thyroxine, this medication is available under the brand name Oroxtine, which is the
HYPERTHYROIDISM: AN OVERACTIVE THYROID GLAND
Hyperthyroidism, in which an overactive thyroid produces too much hormone, is the mirror image of hypothyroidism. Instead of everything in your body slowing down, it all speeds up. The pre-dominant symptoms are nervousness and jitteriness, although eventually a sense of fatigue usually prevails. (Think of the effect on a car engine when the idle is set too high: it's a good comparison to what's happening in your body.)
Hyperthyroidism is five times more common in women and strikes most often between the ages of 30 and 40. Left untreated, it may cause a condition doctors term a 'thyroid storm', a life-threatening burst of thyroid overactivity marked by fever and extreme weakness that requires emergency care.
Graves' disease
Almost all hyperthyroidism is due to Grave's disease, a condition in which the immune system produces an abnormal antibody that excessively stimulates the production of thyroid hormone. Graves' disease may be accompained by a goitre (a swelling in the neck), bulging eyes and tremor of the hands. Another fairly common cause of hyperthyroidsim is taking too much replacement thyroid hormone during treatment for under-active thyroid. Finally, especially in women who inflamed, causing a condition called thyroiditis. In this situation, sometimes a period of hyperthyroidism is followed by hypothyroidism. Usually, the latter is only a passing phase (see on shortly).
Thyroid nodules
Nodules (adenomas) can also grow on the thyroid gland. They usually develop over many years, and may occur alone or in clusters. Most are bening. Nodules need to be checked regularly by a physician, who may order tests with radioactive idodine to indicate whether they are 'hot' or 'cold'. Hot nodules can start producing excess thyroid hormone, necessitating treatment for hyperthyroidism. Cold modules don't produce any hormone but should be monitored for cancercous changes. In rare cases, cancer does occur in a solitary nodule.
Treatment options
The treatment for hyperthyroidism involves reducing the production of thyroid hormone. This is accomplished in one of three ways. medications, radiation or surgery.
Medications
Your doctor may suggest one of two oral prescription antithyroid drugs--carbimazole (Neo-Mercazole) or propylthiouracil-to decrease the production of thyroid hormone. A beta-blocking drug, such as propranolol (Inderal), may be added to relieve symptoms such as shakiness and rapid heartbeat. Most doctors recommend that antithyroid drug therapy last for no more than a couple of years. After that, they usually propose radioactive iodine therapy.
Radioactive iodine
Taken as a single oral capsule, radioactive iodine (I131) is gathered up by the thyroid. It destroys part of the gland and thus reduces its hormone output. Eventually, this treatment results in permanent hypothyroidism, which is then treated with daily thryoid hormone tablets. Radioactive iodine is not to be used by pregnant women because it will destroy the thyroid of the foetus as well.
Surgery
In some cases, part of the thyroid is removed surgically (thyroidectomy). This is often the choice during pregnancy, when the other forms of therapy can damage the thyroid of the developing foetus. It's also used when thyroid cancer is suspected. Again, hypothyroidism may result.
Diet
Until your medication takes effect, you'll need extra protein, and vitamins and minerals (from fruit and vegetables) to keep key nutrients from being depleted by your hyped-up metabolism. Be sure to include such thyroid-fighting foods as raw cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage) and raw peanuts. Avoid iodised salt and iodine-rich foods. Eat calcium-rich foods or take supplements to counteract bone loss from excess thyroid hormone.
Vitamins
Take a B-complex and vitamin C to promote healthy functioning of your thyroid and immune system.
Eyedrops
Anyone with a problem of bulging eyes accompanying hyperthyroidism should certain be closely followed by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist). You may need eyedrops for dry eyes, a change in your prescription if you wear eyeglasses and even surgery if your eyelids fail to close completely.
the brand name Oroxine, which is the oldest and probably the most widely prescribed, and Eutroxsig.
Once you start on this medication you often don't feel the effects for a number of weeks; in fact it may be a few months before you really start to feel better. This is especially true if you are elderly or have a history of heart disease because your doctor is more likely to start you on very low doses of thryoxine and increase them gradually so as not to put too much strain on your heart.
There is a natural alternative although it is not widely available in Australia and New Zealand. Marketed under the brand name Armour, this preparation is derived from dried animal thyroid glands and contains some dose-to-dose inconsistencies. It contains both hormones, T3 and T4.
Finally, if you are intolerant of thyroxine or you don't improve sufficiently on this treatment, your doctor may suggest adding a synthetic form of T3 to your regimen called liothyronine (Tertroxin). This combination seems to work well for a few select patients.
POSTPARTUM THYROIDITIS
Following 5-10% of pregnancies women suffer a painless inflammation of their thyroid gland known as postpartum thyroiditis. This usually occurs from eight weeks to four months after giving birth. The exact cause of this condition is not yet unknown.
Symptoms vary from woman to woman and are related to which course the thyroiditis follows. The three possibilities are a hyperthyroid phase followed by a return to normal thyroid function, a hypothyroid phase alone or a hyperthyroid phase followed by a hypothyroid phase.
Postpartum thyroiditis is diagnosed by measuring thyroid hormone levels in your blood. In the majority of cases the condition gets better by itself so treatment tends to be directed towards managing troublesome symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
The following self-help strategies can be very valuable in managing your hypothyroidism:
- Set a schedule. Some experts say the ideal time to take your tablet is first thing in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating.
- Get exercise. Physical activity will stimulate your thyroid gland and promote absorption of the hormone.
- Eat high-fibre foods if you're constipated, but don't overdo it: too much fibre may inhibit absorption of thyroid hormone.
- Choose low-kilojoule foods to promote weight loss, but don't go on a severe diet: too little food lowers metabolism even further.
- Get enough iodine--from iodised salt and foods such as shell fish and saltwater fish. This mineral helps the thyroid function.
- Avoid thyroid-fighting foods, so-called because they contain substances (goitrogens) that interfere with iodine absorption and suppress thryoid activity. These include raw cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage) and raw peanuts and soya beans. It's safe to eat these nutritious of foods, however--just cook them. Heat takes the fight out of them.
A goitre,an enlarged thyroid gland that produces a bulge in the neck, can develop in some cases of hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism. If you have a goitre that is interfering with breathing or swallowing, you may need surgery to remove it.
Natural methods
People with hypothroidism tend to develop elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine. This can be a risk factor for heart disease. Vitamins, specifically folic acid and B12, will lower homocysteine levels. Taking a vitamin C and a B-complex tablet can improve thyroid function and help regulate your immune system.
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