How’s Your Thyroid? Who Needs to Know?

What’s the thyroid?

What does the thyroid do?

Thyroid Disease- The “Hidden” Health ProblemHyperthyroidismHypothyroidism

Who’s at risk?

Diagnosis & treatment

What’s the Thyroid?

A small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the Adam’s Apple

The “engine” that regulates the body’s speed

If your thyroid is malfunctioning, so are you!

What does the thyroid do?

Extracts iodine (“the fuel”) from the bloodstream

Produce two thyroid hormones called:Thyroxine (T4)Triiodothyronine (T3)

Secretes thyroid hormone

Affect every cell, tissue and organ in the human body

The Role of the Pituitary Gland

Known as the “Master Gland”Controls all the glands in the endocrine system

Acts as the thyroid’s “accelerator”Sends messages in the form of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)These messages tell the thyroid how much thyroid hormone to produce

TSH levels rise or fall based on the amount of thyroid hormone being produced

How the thyroid works…

Thyroid Disease

The “Hidden” Health Problem

10 things people should know about thyroid disorders…

Up to 27 million Americans may be affected by Thyroid disorders

More than half remain undiagnosed

Thyroid disorders are more common amongst womenThyroid disorders tend to run in the familyFatigue is a common complaint for under and over active thyroid conditionsTSH testing is the most useful test for thyroid screening

10 things people should know about thyroid disorders…

Regular check-ups are the key to successfully managing a malfunctioning thyroid glandChanging brands and dosage that affect thyroid hormone levels should be followed by retesting Do not change your dose of thyroid medication without guidance from your physician.Thyroid conditions in pregnancy warrant close attention Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in America -and one of the most curable

Who do you know with thyroid disease?

Effects of hypothyroidism on the human body

• Increased LDL Cholesterol

• ElevatedTriglycerides

Liver

• Constipation• Decreased GI

Activity

Intestines

• Decreased Fertility• Menstrual Abnormalities

• May Harm Development of Infant

Reproductive System

• Depression• Decreased

Concentration• General Lack of Interest

Brain

• Decreased Heart Rate• Increased/Decreased

Blood Pressure• Decreased Cardiac

Output

Heart

• Decreased Function• Fluid Retention and

Edema

Kidneys

Thyroid Disease- The “Hidden” Health Problem

HyperthyroidismToo much thyroid hormoneMetabolism speeds up

HypothyroidismNot enough thyroid hormoneMetabolism slows down

Hyperthyroidism

Overproduction of thyroid hormone, causing metabolism acceleration

Affects roughly 1% of the U.S. population or two million Americans

Graves’ DiseaseMost common form of hyperthyroidism

Autoimmune disorder

Signs & Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Bulging Eyes

Menstrual Irregularities

Excessive Vomiting in Pregnancy

First-Trimester MiscarriageFamily History of

Thyroid Disease

or Diabetes

Nervousness

Irritability

Difficulty Sleeping

Swelling (Goiter)

Frequent Bowel Movements

Moist Palms

Hoarseness orDeepening of Voice

Difficulty Swallowing

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat

Infertility

Weight Loss

Heat Intolerance

Increased Sweating

Persistent Sore Throat

If you have Hyperthyroidism, You’re in good company

Barbara Bush1984

Pre-treatment

Barbara Bush1991

Post-treatment

Hypothyroidism

Underproduction of thyroid hormone, causing metabolism to slow Affects up to 25 million Americans, approximately twelve million remain undiagnosedHashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Most common thyroid disease in the U.S. Autoimmune disease

“Hidden” features of Hypothyroidism:

Cardiovascular:

Slow heartbeatElevated Cholesterol

Aging:

Dry, Scaly SkinSparse or Coarse Hair

Gynecological:

Irregular Menstruation Infertility

Ear, Nose & Throat:

Hoarse Voice

Gastrointestinal:ConstipationWeight Gain

Psychiatric:Impaired ConcentrationDepressionLethargy, Fatigue

Muscular:Muscle WeaknessStiffness

Blood:

Anemia

Remembering the Signs & Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Sleepiness, FatigueLoss of Memory, Trouble ConcentratingUnusually Dry SkinGoiterGradual Personality Change, Depression Increase in WeightSensitivity to ColdHair Loss

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

Family & personal medical history

HypothyroidismInterviews patient

Physical examMD observes patientPalpates the thyroid

Laboratory testsTSH testA measure of free T4

Who’s at Risk?

Women over 40 Five to seven times more likely to develop Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis than men

Women 20-50Graves’ Disease

Treating Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism Radioiodine TherapyStop thyroid hormone production

Anti-thyroid drugs often helpfulReplacement therapy often needed

Surgery may be necessaryMonitoring tailored to patient’s needs

Treating Thyroid Disorders

Hypothyroidism

Daily oral medications replace missing hormone

Individualized dosage adjustment

Annual monitoring

How’s Your Thyroid?

Tell your doctor when symptoms arise

Ask your doctor for a TSH Test and Free T4Women over 40, make it part of your medical routine

Take medication as directedTake Thyroid medication separately from iron, calcium, and multivitamins

Do Not change brand or dose of medicationIf symptoms persist, tell your doctor

When visiting your physician…

Prepare questions in advance

Don’t hesitate to ask them

Observe good health practices: eat properly & exercise

Bring your medications

Don’t Let Your Thyroid Slow You Down

Know the signs & symptomsAlert your doctorAsk for a TSH Test and a measure of free T4

Take medication only as directedDon’t skip your medicine —

Consistency is key

Don’t switch brand or doseTake the time to take care of yourself!!!

For more information:

Visit us on the web at:www.thyroidawareness.com