The Thyroid and Your HealthThe Thyroid and Your Health

Hormones and Your HealthHormones and Your Health

What Is a Hormone?

Which Ones Especially Affect Women?

What Can Go Wrong?

Thyroid Disease - a “Hidden” Problem for Women

Staying Healthy

What Is a Hormone?

Which Ones Especially Affect Women?

What Can Go Wrong?

Thyroid Disease - a “Hidden” Problem for Women

Staying Healthy

What Are Hormones?What Are Hormones?

Chemicals That Are ReleasedInto the Bloodstream

Regulators of Specific Body Functions

Chemicals That Are ReleasedInto the Bloodstream

Regulators of Specific Body Functions

The Endocrine SystemThe Endocrine System

HypothalamusHypothalamus

Pituitary GlandPituitary Gland

ParathyroidGlands

(located on each side of the trachea and near the

thyroid)

ParathyroidGlands

(located on each side of the trachea and near the

thyroid)

PancreasPancreas

TestesTestes

Thyroid GlandThyroid Gland

Adrenal GlandsAdrenal Glands

OvariesOvaries

Negative Feedback LoopNegative Feedback Loop

Hormones of Special Interest to WomenHormones of Special Interest to Women

Thyroxine (T4)Thyronine (T3)Thyroxine (T4)Thyronine (T3)

ProgesteroneProgesteroneEstrogenEstrogen

Thyroid DiseaseThyroid Disease

The “Hidden” Health ProblemThe “Hidden” Health Problem

Who do you know with thyroid disease?Who do you know with thyroid disease?

What Does Your Thyroid Gland Do for You?What Does Your Thyroid Gland Do for You?

Produces Two Hormones Called • Thyroxine (T4)• Thyronine (T3)

Regulates Metabolism so Your Cells Function Properly

Affects Every Cell in the Body

Produces Two Hormones Called • Thyroxine (T4)• Thyronine (T3)

Regulates Metabolism so Your Cells Function Properly

Affects Every Cell in the Body

• Thyroid Disease Can Have Widespread Effects

Thyroid

• Increased LDL Cholesterol

• ElevatedTriglycerides

Liver

• Constipation

• Decreased GI

Activity

Intestines

• Decreased Fertility

• Menstrual Abnormalities

• May Harm Development of Infant

ReproductiveSystem

• Depression

• Decreased Concentration• General Lack of Interest

Brain

• Decreased Heart Rate• Increased/Decreased

Blood Pressure• Decreased Cardiac

Output

• Decreased Heart Rate• Increased/Decreased

Blood Pressure• Decreased Cardiac

Output

HeartHeart

• Decreased Function

• Fluid Retention and

Edema

Kidneys

Thyroid Disease AffectsMany Body Systems and Overall Health

Thyroid Disease AffectsMany Body Systems and Overall Health

Thyroid Hormone AffectsMany Organs and General Health

Thyroid Hormone AffectsMany Organs and General Health

ThyroidThyroid

UterusUterus

HeartHeart

LiverLiverKidneyKidney

BrainBrain

SkinSkin GI TractGI Tract

LungsLungsEyesEyes

When the Thyroid Doesn’t WorkWhen the Thyroid Doesn’t Work

HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism HypothyroidismHypothyroidism

Two Common Types of Thyroid DiseaseTwo Common Types of Thyroid Disease

HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism HypothyroidismHypothyroidism

When the Thyroid Doesn’t WorkWhen the Thyroid Doesn’t Work

Hyperthyroidism

• Too Much Thyroid Hormone

• Metabolism Speeds Up

Hyperthyroidism

• Too Much Thyroid Hormone

• Metabolism Speeds Up

Hypothyroidism

• Too Little Thyroid Hormone

• Metabolism Slows Down

Hypothyroidism

• Too Little Thyroid Hormone

• Metabolism Slows Down

HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism

Affects About 1% of the U.S. Population

or Two Million Americans

More Common Among Women

Affects About 1% of the U.S. Population

or Two Million Americans

More Common Among Women

Signs and Symptoms Of HyperthyroidismSigns and Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism

Bulging Eyes/Unblinking Stare

Menstrual Irregularities or

Light Period

Excessive Vomiting in Pregnancy

First-Trimester MiscarriageFamily History of

Thyroid Disease

or Diabetes

Nervousness

Irritability

Difficulty Sleeping

Swelling (Goiter)

Frequent Bowel Movements

Warm, Moist Palms

Hoarseness orDeepening of Voice

Difficulty Swallowing

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

Infertility

Weight Loss

Heat Intolerance

Increased Sweating

PersistentSore or Dry Throat

Common Signs and Symptomsof Hyperthyroidism

Common Signs and Symptomsof Hyperthyroidism

Nervousness

Irritability

Difficulty Sleeping

Bulging Eyes

Unblinking Stare

Goiter

Rapid Heartbeat

Nervousness

Irritability

Difficulty Sleeping

Bulging Eyes

Unblinking Stare

Goiter

Rapid Heartbeat

Increased Sweating

Heat Intolerance

Unexplained Weight Loss

Scant Menstrual Periods

Frequent Bowel Movements

Warm, Moist Palms

Fine Tremor of Fingers

Increased Sweating

Heat Intolerance

Unexplained Weight Loss

Scant Menstrual Periods

Frequent Bowel Movements

Warm, Moist Palms

Fine Tremor of Fingers

May Include:May Include:

If You Have Hyperthyroidism,You’re in Good Company

If You Have Hyperthyroidism,You’re in Good Company

Barbara Bush1984

Pre-treatment

Barbara Bush1984

Pre-treatment

Barbara Bush1991

Post-treatment

Barbara Bush1991

Post-treatment

Hypothyroidism:The Hidden Health Problem

Hypothyroidism:The Hidden Health Problem

Affects Up to 25 Million Americans

ButBut

Affects Up to 25 Million Americans

ButBut

Approximately 12 Million Are UndiagnosedApproximately 12 Million Are Undiagnosed

Hypothyroidism AffectsMultiple Body SystemsHypothyroidism AffectsMultiple Body Systems

Central Nervous System

Central Nervous System

Female Reproductive

System

Female Reproductive

System

Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular System

Hypothyroidism Can Cause Serious Harm to Your HealthHypothyroidism Can Cause Serious Harm to Your Health

Tiredness

Forgetfulness/Slower Thinking

Moodiness/ Irritability

Depression

Inability to Concentrate

Thinning Hair or Hair Loss

Loss of Body Hair

Dry, Patchy Skin

Weight Gain

Cold Intolerance

Elevated CholesterolMuscle Weakness or Cramps

Constipation

Infertility

Menstrual Irregularities/

Heavy Period

Slower Heartbeat

Difficulty Swallowing

Persistent Dry or Sore Throat

Hoarseness/

Deepening of Voice

Swelling (Goiter)

Puffy Eyes

Signs and Symptoms of HypothyroidismSigns and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Common Signs and Symptomsof Hypothyroidism

Common Signs and Symptomsof Hypothyroidism

Tiredness

Loss of Interest and/or Pleasure

Forgetfulness

Dry, Coarse Hair

Loss of Lateral Eyebrow Hair

Puffy Face and Eyes

Goiter

Tiredness

Loss of Interest and/or Pleasure

Forgetfulness

Dry, Coarse Hair

Loss of Lateral Eyebrow Hair

Puffy Face and Eyes

Goiter

Slow Heartbeat

Dry Skin

Cold Intolerance

Weight Gain

Heavy Menstrual Periods

Constipation

Brittle Nails

Slow Heartbeat

Dry Skin

Cold Intolerance

Weight Gain

Heavy Menstrual Periods

Constipation

Brittle Nails

May Include:May Include:

Hypothyroidism: The “Hidden” DiseaseHypothyroidism: The “Hidden” Disease

Cardiovascular: Slow Heartbeat Elevated Cholesterol

Cardiovascular: Slow Heartbeat Elevated Cholesterol

Aging: Dry, Scaly Skin Sparse or Coarse Hair

Aging: Dry, Scaly Skin Sparse or Coarse Hair

Gynecological: Irregular Menstruation Infertility

Gynecological: Irregular Menstruation Infertility

Gastrointestinal: Constipation Weight Gain

Gastrointestinal: Constipation Weight Gain

Muscular: Muscle Weakness Stiffness

Muscular: Muscle Weakness Stiffness

Ear, Nose & Throat: Hoarse VoiceEar, Nose & Throat: Hoarse Voice

Psychiatric: Impaired Concentration Depression Lethargy, Fatigue

Psychiatric: Impaired Concentration Depression Lethargy, Fatigue

Blood: AnemiaBlood: Anemia

How to Rememberthe Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

How to Rememberthe Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Sleepiness, Fatigue, Lethargy

Loss of Memory, Trouble Concentrating

Unusually Dry, Coarse Skin

Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid)

Gradual Personality Change, Depression

Increase in Weight, Bloating or Puffiness (Edema)

Sensitivity to Cold

Hair Loss, Sparseness of Hair

Sleepiness, Fatigue, Lethargy

Loss of Memory, Trouble Concentrating

Unusually Dry, Coarse Skin

Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid)

Gradual Personality Change, Depression

Increase in Weight, Bloating or Puffiness (Edema)

Sensitivity to Cold

Hair Loss, Sparseness of Hair

Spectrum of Thyroid DiseaseSpectrum of Thyroid Disease

SevereSevere

MildMild

SubclinicalSubclinical

Diagnosing HypothyroidismDiagnosing Hypothyroidism

Family and personal medical history• Hypothyroidism may be

Hereditary

Physical exam• MD Observes the Patient

• Palpates the thyroid

• Interviews patient

Laboratory Tests• TSH Test

• Free T4

Family and personal medical history• Hypothyroidism may be

Hereditary

Physical exam• MD Observes the Patient

• Palpates the thyroid

• Interviews patient

Laboratory Tests• TSH Test

• Free T4

Diagnosing Thyroid DiseaseDiagnosing Thyroid Disease

Family and Medical History

Physical Examination

Laboratory Tests (TSH Test and Free T4)

Family and Medical History

Physical Examination

Laboratory Tests (TSH Test and Free T4)

TSH TestingTSH Testing

ThyroidThyroid

“Sends Telegram”“Sends Telegram”

PituitaryPituitary

T3 & T4T3 & T4

TSHTSH

Why Test Women Over 40?Why Test Women Over 40?

Early Detection

Early Treatment

Prevention of:• Organ Damage

• Unpleasant Symptoms

• Other Negative Health Consequences

Early Detection

Early Treatment

Prevention of:• Organ Damage

• Unpleasant Symptoms

• Other Negative Health Consequences

Treating Thyroid DisordersTreating Thyroid Disorders

Radioiodine Therapy

Stop Thyroid Hormone Production• Anti-thyroid Drugs Often Helpful• Replacement Therapy Often Needed

Surgery Maybe Necessary

Monitoring Tailored to Individual Patient Status and Needs

Radioiodine Therapy

Stop Thyroid Hormone Production• Anti-thyroid Drugs Often Helpful• Replacement Therapy Often Needed

Surgery Maybe Necessary

Monitoring Tailored to Individual Patient Status and Needs

HyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism

Treating Thyroid DisordersTreating Thyroid Disorders

Daily Oral Medication to Replace Missing Hormone

Individualized Dosing Adjustment to

Find the Right Dose for Each Patient

Annual Monitoring

Daily Oral Medication to Replace Missing Hormone

Individualized Dosing Adjustment to

Find the Right Dose for Each Patient

Annual Monitoring

HypothyroidismHypothyroidism

Your ResponsibilitiesYour Responsibilities

Tell Your Doctor if You Have Symptoms

Ask Your Doctor for a TSH Test and Free T4 -- Make

These Tests as Part of Your Medical Routine if You Are a

Woman Over 35

Take Your Medication as Directed

• Take Your Thyroid Medication Separately from

Iron, Calcium and Multivitamins

Do Not Change Brand or Dose of Your Thyroid Medication Without Consulting Your Doctor

If Symptoms Persist or Return, Tell Your Doctor

Tell Your Doctor if You Have Symptoms

Ask Your Doctor for a TSH Test and Free T4 -- Make

These Tests as Part of Your Medical Routine if You Are a

Woman Over 35

Take Your Medication as Directed

• Take Your Thyroid Medication Separately from

Iron, Calcium and Multivitamins

Do Not Change Brand or Dose of Your Thyroid Medication Without Consulting Your Doctor

If Symptoms Persist or Return, Tell Your Doctor

Be Your Physician’s Partnerin Your Health Care

Be Your Physician’s Partnerin Your Health Care

Prepare Any Questions You

May Have in Advance

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Them

Observe Good Health Practices:

Eat Right and Exercise

Bring Your Medications with You

When You See Your Doctor

Prepare Any Questions You

May Have in Advance

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Them

Observe Good Health Practices:

Eat Right and Exercise

Bring Your Medications with You

When You See Your Doctor

Don’t Let Your Thyroid Slow You DownDon’t Let Your Thyroid Slow You Down

Know the Signs and Symptoms

• Tell Your Doctor if You Have Any of Them

• Ask Your Doctor for a TSH Test and Free T4 if You Have Them

Take Your Medications Only as Directed by Your Physician

Don’t Skip Your Medicine -- Consistency Is the Key to Effective Treatment and Your Thyroid Health

Don’t Change Brands or Dose Unless Your Doctor Approves the Change and Monitors Your Blood Levels

Take Time to Take Care of Yourself!

Know the Signs and Symptoms

• Tell Your Doctor if You Have Any of Them

• Ask Your Doctor for a TSH Test and Free T4 if You Have Them

Take Your Medications Only as Directed by Your Physician

Don’t Skip Your Medicine -- Consistency Is the Key to Effective Treatment and Your Thyroid Health

Don’t Change Brands or Dose Unless Your Doctor Approves the Change and Monitors Your Blood Levels

Take Time to Take Care of Yourself!