January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a month that observes the importance of raising awareness of thyroid disorders and how they affect the lives of millions of people around the world.
The thyroid is a gland located in front of the neck. It is a part of the body’s endocrine system and produces hormones that play an important role in many of the body’s systems, such as cells and tissues, the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys.
The hormones the thyroid produces include:
- Thyroxine (T4)- the primary hormone made and released by the thyroid. It is the hormone that the thyroid makes the most of; however, it doesn’t have much of an effect on the metabolism
- Triiodothyronine (T3)- the thyroid makes lesser amounts of this hormone, but it has a much bigger impact on the metabolism than T4
- Reverse triiodothyronine- the thyroid makes very small amounts of RT3. This hormone reverses the effects of T3
- Calcitonin- this hormone helps regulate the amount of calcium in the blood
These hormones also affect several bodily functions, including:
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
- Heart rate
- Metabolism
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Brain development
- Mental activity
- Skin and bone maintenance
- Fertility
Four main conditions affect the thyroid, including:
- Hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland
- Goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland
- Thyroid cancer
Different thyroid conditions have different symptoms. Symptoms depend on whether the thyroid is under- or over-producing hormones and can often be silent or present symptoms that are overlooked due to their subtlety.
Symptoms that may signal a thyroid condition include:
- Slow or rapid heart rate
- Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
- Difficulty tolerating the cold or heat
- Depression (caused by hypothyroidism) or anxiety (caused by hyperthyroidism)
- Irregular menstrual periods
When a healthcare provider wants to check the health of a person’s thyroid, they perform a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). They will also check the levels of T4 and T3 in the blood. If the results of these tests come back and are abnormal, the healthcare provider may suggest an imaging test such as a thyroid scan or an ultrasound of the thyroid.
There are several treatment options for thyroid conditions, depending on what they are and their severity. The three main treatment options for thyroid conditions include:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy
Thyroid conditions are common and can affect anyone at any age. However, some people face a higher risk if they:
- Have a family history of thyroid disease
- Have an autoimmune condition, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
- Take a medication that’s high in iodine
- Are older than 60, especially if you’re female
Fortunately, there is a way for a person to keep their thyroid healthy. This can be done by getting enough iodine in their diet with foods that are fortified with iodine, such as cheese, cow milk, eggs, yogurt, saltwater fish, shellfish, seaweed, soy milk, and soy sauce.
If you would like to get your thyroid checked or to receive more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology service, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
