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About Hypothyroidism Treatment and Weight Loss

Your thyroid gland governs your metabolism by producing the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. When it is underactive and does not produce enough of these hormones and you may feel weak and tired. As your body is not processing fuel properly this may cause you to feel lethargic and depressive, and you may gain weight too.

After you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your endocrinologist will prescribe hormone replacement therapy, which should help you with many of the symptoms associated with a lack of thyroid hormones. As you start to feel better, you may want to be more active and get your health and weight under control.

You may think that thyroid treatment will make weight loss easy. It will definitely make it easier than it was before, but it may not actually be easy. In fact, because your metabolism has been unbalanced for some time, you are likely to still have difficulties in getting to the weight and fitness level you would like. It’s not impossible, though. Here are some helpful tips for getting your metabolism on track and your weight under control.

Make sure your treatment is tuned to your needs

Just starting thyroid medication will not necessarily help you lose the weight you have gained from having an underactive thyroid gland. Patients who do not change their diets or lifestyles after getting medication will often continue to gain weight. However, optimising your thyroid treatment can help kick start the process of getting healthy and losing weight.

Talk to your doctor about making sure that you are getting the proper levels of TSH, T3, and T4 in your medication. Scheduling follow-up appointments and keeping in close contact with your doctor will help them set the right level of treatment for your needs. That’s just the start, though. Read on to learn about the other steps you should take to get where you want to be.

Speed up your metabolism

You have no doubt heard that muscle burns calories faster and more efficiently than fat. You can increase your basal metabolism – the rate at which you burn calories when you are resting – by increasing your body’s muscle mass. Regular strength training will build muscle and help speed up your metabolism.

You can help the process along, too, by making sure that you get enough vitamins and nutrients, especially B-complex vitamins and vitamin C. These will help your body perform more efficiently. Finally, make sure that you are staying hydrated. Dehydration is sure to slow your metabolism.

Change your diet and increase your activity level

A good diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, can keep your metabolism efficiently engaged. Getting regular exercise will burn more calories, build lean muscle mass, and help increase your basal metabolism.

Before, it may have been impossible for you to lose weight through diet and exercise because your thyroid was underactive. Now, though, with the help of your thyroid medication, good diet, exercise, and good hydration, you should notice improvements quicker.

These changes in your lifestyle should also help you sleep better at night. Getting enough sleep is important to maintaining a healthy weight and will help you feel more energetic, which will make you more likely to exercise and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Seek professional help

If you still cannot seem to lose weight, talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend a good nutritionist or personal trainer who can help you jumpstart the process and get you on the right track. They can give you advice and instruction in making the right changes to your diet and getting the right kinds of exercise.

The post Hypothyroidism Treatment and Weight Loss appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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Hearing the word cancer is a life-altering event, even if it is only mentioned as a possibility. When it comes to the thyroid, the process of diagnosing cancer can be time consuming and difficult. If your doctor believes that your thyroid issues could be the result of a malignant or cancerous tumor, you will have to begin the process required for a complete diagnosis. While this may seem overwhelming, understanding what to expect, can help you know what to expect throughout the diagnosis process. This article aims to provide general information only and is not a substitute for thorough management by a doctor.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The first step in determining the potential cause of thyroid problems is to identify the symptoms. While many cancers of the thyroid produce no recognisable symptoms, many others do.

Thyroid cancer symptoms can include:

  • Lymph nodes in the neck that are enlarged
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • One or more lumps in the front neck area
  • Changes in your voice
  • Chronic coughing that does not go away with treatment
  • Pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck

Your doctor will rely on you to be honest and open about the symptoms you are having. He or she will also perform a physical examination of your neck, to see if there are any areas of swelling or growths that you may not be aware of. Your doctor will also check any lumps that are present to determine how they feel and whether they cause pain.

Thyroid blood tests

Your doctor will usually request that you have blood tests done during the diagnosis process. These tests are used to measure the TSH level or thyroid-stimulating hormone. If these numbers are higher or lower than normal, it may be due to the thyroid not functioning properly. In some cases, other tests will be performed to check calcitonin and thyroglobulin and other hormone levels depending on the type of cancer the doctor suspects that you may have.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are another important part of thyroid cancer diagnosis. There are several types of medical imaging studies that may be needed.

Ultrasound imaging

This imaging test emits sound waves that bounce off the glands, lymph nodes, and other structures in your neck. When these sound waves bounce back, they create images or pictures that allow the doctor to see if there are any other nodules or lumps present in the thyroid that are unable to be felt. This test will allow your doctor to gain a better understanding of the shape and size of the nodules, as well as whether they are solid masses or filled with fluid. If your nodules are fluid-filled, this is a good indication that the growths are non-cancerous.

CT neck

The CT scan is an x-ray test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of your body. A neck CT scan can help determine the location and size of thyroid cancers and whether they have spread to nearby areas. The CT is complementary to an Ultrasound. CT scanning can show if the thyroid nodule has extended locally, for instance into the chest. This is also called retrosternal extension. A CT may also provide clear imaging of neck lymph nodes and also tracheal – wind pipe compression. A CT scan can also be used to look for spread into distant organs such as the lungs.

Thyroid nuclear imaging – Radioiodine scan

This test requires you to ingest radioactive iodine just before the testing begins. This substance will attach to the thyroid cells and any nodules that are present. The images produced by this scan allow your doctor to see if there are hot or cold nodules. Cold nodules generally absorb less of the radioactive iodine, while hot ones absorb much more. Nodules that are considered hot, meaning they soak up the radioactive iodine, are generally not cancer.

Thyroid Biopsy

If your doctor has performed all of the other tests, and there are any abnormal results, the next step is a biopsy. This procedure may be done with a needle to remove a tissue sample, or you may have to undergo surgery to remove your thyroid or a portion of it. These samples are then sent to the lab for the final diagnosis.

For more information about thyroid cytology click here.

The diagnostic process for thyroid cancer can be overwhelming. However, when you know why your doctor is making the decisions for tests and imaging, it can help you better understand the process.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid lumps see your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

Reference

http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_cancer

 

The post The Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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Hearing the word cancer is a life-altering event, even if it is only mentioned as a possibility. When it comes to the thyroid, the process of diagnosing cancer can be time consuming and difficult. If your doctor believes that your thyroid issues could be the result of a malignant or cancerous tumor, you will have to begin the process required for a complete diagnosis. While this may seem overwhelming, understanding what to expect, can help you know what to expect throughout the diagnosis process. This article aims to provide general information only and is not a substitute for thorough management by a doctor.

Symptoms of thyroid cancer

The first step in determining the potential cause of thyroid problems is to identify the symptoms. While many cancers of the thyroid produce no recognisable symptoms, many others do.

Thyroid cancer symptoms can include:

  • Lymph nodes in the neck that are enlarged
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • One or more lumps in the front neck area
  • Changes in your voice
  • Chronic coughing that does not go away with treatment
  • Pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the neck

Your doctor will rely on you to be honest and open about the symptoms you are having. He or she will also perform a physical examination of your neck, to see if there are any areas of swelling or growths that you may not be aware of. Your doctor will also check any lumps that are present to determine how they feel and whether they cause pain.

Thyroid blood tests

Your doctor will usually request that you have blood tests done during the diagnosis process. These tests are used to measure the TSH level or thyroid-stimulating hormone. If these numbers are higher or lower than normal, it may be due to the thyroid not functioning properly. In some cases, other tests will be performed to check calcitonin and thyroglobulin and other hormone levels depending on the type of cancer the doctor suspects that you may have.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are another important part of thyroid cancer diagnosis. There are several types of medical imaging studies that may be needed.

Ultrasound imaging

This imaging test emits sound waves that bounce off the glands, lymph nodes, and other structures in your neck. When these sound waves bounce back, they create images or pictures that allow the doctor to see if there are any other nodules or lumps present in the thyroid that are unable to be felt. This test will allow your doctor to gain a better understanding of the shape and size of the nodules, as well as whether they are solid masses or filled with fluid. If your nodules are fluid-filled, this is a good indication that the growths are non-cancerous.

CT neck

The CT scan is an x-ray test that provides detailed cross-sectional images of your body. A neck CT scan can help determine the location and size of thyroid cancers and whether they have spread to nearby areas. The CT is complementary to an Ultrasound. CT scanning can show if the thyroid nodule has extended locally, for instance into the chest. This is also called retrosternal extension. A CT may also provide clear imaging of neck lymph nodes and also tracheal – wind pipe compression. A CT scan can also be used to look for spread into distant organs such as the lungs.

Thyroid nuclear imaging – Radioiodine scan

This test requires you to ingest radioactive iodine just before the testing begins. This substance will attach to the thyroid cells and any nodules that are present. The images produced by this scan allow your doctor to see if there are hot or cold nodules. Cold nodules generally absorb less of the radioactive iodine, while hot ones absorb much more. Nodules that are considered hot, meaning they soak up the radioactive iodine, are generally not cancer.

Thyroid Biopsy

If your doctor has performed all of the other tests, and there are any abnormal results, the next step is a biopsy. This procedure may be done with a needle to remove a tissue sample, or you may have to undergo surgery to remove your thyroid or a portion of it. These samples are then sent to the lab for the final diagnosis.

For more information about thyroid cytology click here.

The diagnostic process for thyroid cancer can be overwhelming. However, when you know why your doctor is making the decisions for tests and imaging, it can help you better understand the process.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid lumps see your local doctor, who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

Reference

http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_cancer

 

The post The Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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When the Thyroid Gland Goes Wrong

The thyroid gland regulates some of the most important functions of the human body, and if it doesn’t work right, we can suffer a long list of problems. But what is it? And why does it matter so much to our health?

The first thing to know about this gland is how it fits into the human body. Generally speaking, there are eight main endocrine glands, of which the thyroid is one.

These glands, which produce hormones essential to the body, include the adrenal gland, which produces adrenaline and other stress hormones, the pituitary, which releases hormones regulating homeostasis, and the islets of Langerhans, cell clusters on the pancreas responsible for creating insulin. The thyroid gland, for its part, generates three main hormones: calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Calcitonin is one of the hormones resposible for reducing calcium levels in the bloodstream. Thyroid hormones including thyroxine and triiodothyronine, regulate growth and functioning rates of bodily systems. Together, these hormones control the speed with which the body uses energy and produces proteins, as wells as the body’s sensitivity to other hormones.

Malfunction of the thyroid gland can lead to a number of disorders. The two most common problems are hyperthyroidism, or over-production of these hormones, and hypothyroidism, underproduction. Each of these can lead to numerous physical symptoms and problems with energy, weight fluctuations and cognitive function.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition in which rogue antibodies force the thyroid to create too much of its hormones. Neck goitres, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, weight loss, bulging eyes, irritability, muscle weakness, diarrhoea, sleep problems, heat sensitivity and increased appetite are all symptoms.

A number of causes can lead to hypothyroidism, from autoimmune disorders and iodine deficiencies to congenital problems and removal of the thyroid during surgery. Stress is a common factor. Weight gain, baldness, memory problems, cold sensitivity, slowed heart rate and fatigue are common symptoms.

Both these conditions are commonly misdiagnosed as clinical depression. The weight fluctuations, fatigue, irritability, memory deficits and sleep disturbances common to thyroid disorders all mirror symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Cancer can also cause dysfunction of the thyroid. Though it usually presents without many symptoms, a nodule in the neck may appear, and vocal changes and neck pain may develop later in the cancer’s progression.

A simple check of the thyroid gland can help detect these problems if you think you’re showing symptoms. Tilt your head back, swallow some water and watch your throat in the mirror, particularly the area between your Adam’s apple and collarbone. If you notice any protrusions, bulges or other unusual signs, alert your doctor.

If you have questions or concerns about thyroid problems see your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

The post When the Thyroid Gland Goes Wrong appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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By Ashleigh Elkins

The parathyroid glands are four small, pea-sized glands that are located behind the larger, butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are named for their location. There are two superior thyroid glands, which are found behind the top part of the thyroid lobes; one behind the right thyroid lobe and one behind the left thyroid lobe. There are also two inferior parathyroid glands which can vary in their location. They are usually found behind the lower part of the right and left thyroid lobes. In some people, the inferior parathyroid glands may be located below the level of the thyroid gland, or may be found near the inferior thyroid veins. The parathyroid glands are usually 6mm in length and 3-4mm wide.

The parathyroid glands are involved in the regulation of blood calcium levels. This is important to ensure normal function of other organs and tissues, including the heart, kidneys, bones and nerves. The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone, or PTH, which controls the levels of calcium in the body. When the level of calcium in the blood drops, the parathyroid glands release PTH which works in a number of ways to increase the level of calcium in the blood.

Parathyroid hormone functions

rci.rutgers.edu

Parathyroid hormone – PTH

  • PTH acts on the bone to stimulate reabsorption of bone which results in the release of calcium stored in the bone
  • PTH acts on the kidney to increase the amount of calcium that is reabsorbed so that less calcium is lost through the urine
  • PTH also stimulates the activation of vitamin D in the kidney. Activated vitamin D is important because it helps the small intestine to reabsorb more calcium from the diet into the bloodstream

All of these actions work to increase the level of calcium. Once the calcium levels have returned to normal or become too high, the parathyroid glands become less active and do not secrete as much PTH.

Relationship between blood ionized calcium concentrations and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in persons with normal renal and parathyroid gland function. American Journal of Physiology – Renal Physiology Published 6 May 2004 Vol. 286 no. 6.

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is a term used to describe increased activity in one or more of the parathyroid glands. There are three types of hyperparathyroidism:

Primary hyperparathyroidism, where the affected parathyroid gland produces too much PTH as a result of a problem within the parathyroid gland itself. The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a benign tumour within the gland called a parathyroid adenoma. Parathyroid adenomas are usually only found within one parathyroid gland, it is very uncommon to find a parathyroid adenoma in more than one gland. Less common causes of primary hyperparathyroidism include parathyroid hyperplasia, and very rarely, parathyroid carcinoma, a malignant parathyroid tumour.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism, where the underlying cause of the hyperparathyroidism is due to low levels of blood calcium, which is known as hypocalcaemia. Hypocalcaemia may be the result of poor calcium absorption in the intestines, or the result of severe dietary deficiency. Because vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, severe vitamin D deficiency can also cause hypocalcaemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. People with chronic renal failure may also develop secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism, which occurs after chronic secondary hyperparathyroidism. Once the underlying cause of the longstanding secondary hyperparathyroidism is addressed, the affected parathyroid gland or glands still continue to secrete too much PTH.

Parathyroid hormone testing

Parathyroid hormone levels are routinely measured by a blood test. Intact PTH (iPTH) is the biologically active form and is secreted when the calcium level is low. iPTH is the most frequently ordered parathyroid hormone test. iPTH is used to diagnose the cause of a high calcium level and to distinguish between parathyroid and non-parathyroid causes. A calcium test is almost always ordered along with an iPTH test. The key to diagnosis of a parathyroid gland disorder is the relationship between the calcium and iPTH and the response of the parathyroid glands to changing levels of calcium.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can vary depending on whether the cause is primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms of primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism are similar, because both cause a high level of calcium in the bloodstream.

Symptoms of primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism include:

  • Bone and joint pain due to the breakdown of bone to release calcium
  • Kidney stones
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive thirst
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Fractures
  • Gout

The symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism are different to the symptoms of primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism because elevated levels of blood calcium cause many of the symptoms in primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism; but high levels of blood calcium are not an issue with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Increased fracture risk is common to all forms of hyperparathyroidism. Underlying renal problems are the cause of many of the symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism include:

  • Fractures
  • Bone deformities
  • Changes to urinary habits
  • Ankle and leg swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Itching

Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism and provides a cure in about 95 percent of all cases. Your surgeon will remove only those glands that are enlarged or have a tumour (adenoma).

If all four glands are affected, your surgeon will likely remove only three glands and perhaps a portion of the fourth. This approach will leave some functioning parathyroid tissue.

Parathyroid surgery can be done through a very small neck incision which leaves a minimal scar.

Complications from parathyroid surgery are uncommon. Risks include damage to nerves controlling the vocal cords and long-term low calcium levels requiring the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements.

For more information about the parathyroid glands click here.

If you have questions about the parathyroid glands, contact your local doctor who will arrange for you to see a thyroid surgeon.

The post Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

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