By

Do you have trouble maintaining a healthy weight? Do you exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet, but still find that you are sluggish and can’t stop gaining weight? Do you eat everything you can, but you keep losing weight and having digestive tract issues? Your problem may not lie in anything you’re doing or eating. You simply may have a problem with your thyroid gland.

By producing thyroid hormones including triiodothronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4), your thyroid gland controls your body’s metabolism. Effectively, your thyroid gland is in charge of how your body uses the energy (in calories) that you put into it. If you have hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid – you will not be able to gain weight. You’ll feel weak and sweaty, even when you’re resting. Your will most likely be increased, and no matter how much you eat, you’ll still feel hungry. Digestive issues like GI upset are often present, as well. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety and cardiac symptoms like palpitations, but your doctor can tell the difference, diagnose you, and get you the right treatment to slow your metabolism so that you can gain weight and regain energy [1].

Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough T3 and T4. Your metabolism will slow down dramatically, causing abnormal weight gain. As with hyperthyroidism, you’ll feel tired and sluggish. You may also experience hair loss and a sensitivity to cold [1].

Hyperthyroidism treatment often begins with a prescription for beta blockers, which should decrease some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as elevated heart rates, tremors, and anxiety. Anti-thyroid medication is prescribed to slow the production of T3 and T4. For some patients who have hyperthyroidism which does not respond to medical treatment, surgery is required, and the thyroid is removed.

If the thyroid is removed, the patient who was just dealing with hyperthyroid problems will now have to deal with hypothyroid problems. These, though, are more easily treated. Treatment for an underactive thyroid requires hormone replacement therapy, which is a lot easier than it sounds. Hormone replacement therapy is a medical term for taking prescription medicine, which will produce the hormones that the inactive (or absent) thyroid gland would otherwise be producing. In most cases, the patient will have to take thyroid hormone tablets for the rest of their life, especially if the thyroid gland has been removed.

Thyroid disease also includes thyroid nodules, lumps that occasionally form on the thyroid, which may give the sensation of a lump in the throat [2]. Thyroid lumps should be checked by a doctor to ensure accurate diagnosis. Fortunately, more often than not, thyroid lumps are not cancerous. Specific treatment depends on the diagnosis. In most cases of thyroid cancer, the thyroid gland is removed, and hormone replacement therapy is prescribed for the rest of the patient’s life.

Symptoms relating to thyroid disease may include sudden weight loss or gain, a lack of energy or digestive issues. If you experience these symptoms then you should absolutely consult with your doctor. Thyroid disease can be treated in non-invasive ways if it is caught early. If you wait to see if the disease will go away on its own, you may be in for a rude awakening. Thyroid problems do not heal themselves, and waiting for diagnosis and treatment will usually lead to poor health for a protracted period of time.

Your best bet if you think you have an issue with your thyroid gland is to seek medical help immediately. Whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive, your chances of leading a normal, healthy life are far greater if you begin treatment sooner rather than later.

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

[1] Thyroid Problems eMedicine Health. Retrieved on 2013-10-29.

[2] “New York Thyroid Center: Thyroid Nodules”. Retrieved 2013-10-29.

The post Do You Have a Healthy Thyroid appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

By

 

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.

By

Graves’ Disease Causes

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that leads to a generalized overactivity of the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is named after an Irish Physician, Robert J. Graves MD, circa 1830s. He first described this form of hyperthyroidism. It is 7-8 times more common in women than men. Graves’ disease occurs when your own immune system attacks your thyroid gland. This causes an overproduction of its normal hormone, thyroxine. The hormones from the thyroid gland help in regulating growth and in controlling your body’s metabolism. This is only one form of hyperthyroidism, and its resulting high thyroxine levels may affect your moods and appearance.

Graves’ disease can occur in any age group. There are no current medications that can stop your immune system from continuing to attack your thyroid gland. However, for patients who have hyperthyroidism, there are treatments that will lower the thyroid glands thyroxine production and ease symptoms.

Graves’ Disease Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms common to people affected with Graves’ disease. According to Medical News Today, they include:

  • Irritability and moodiness
  • Anxiety
  • Tiredness
  • Insomnia
  • Accelerated heartbeat – tachycardia
  • Irregular heartbeat – arrhythmia
  • Heat sensitivity
  • Tremor in fingers and hands
  • Hair that feels brittle
  • Weight loss without dieting
  • Changes in menstrual cycle
  • Enlarged thyroid gland – goitre
  • Frequent bowel movements

People with Graves’ disease may have mild signs of Graves’ ophthalmopathy. They include a bulging of the eyes, caused by a swelling of the muscles and tissues behind the eyes. If you smoke and have Graves’ disease, you are more likely to be affected by Graves’ ophthalmopathy. In cases that are severe, your eyelids may not close properly, and they will likely become very dry.

How is Graves’ Disease Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Graves’ disease. People with the disorder may have a goitre and eye signs, plus any of the multiple symptoms of hyperthyroidism. If, on the other hand, you show only mild symptoms, it may be mistaken for something else. The diagnosis is usually made by thorough clinical assessment, blood tests and medical imaging.

Treatment for Graves’ Disease

There are three main commonly used ways to treat Graves’ disease.

One option is the use of radioactive iodine 131-l. This option is relatively straightforward and usually avoids the need for surgery. There are minimal significant health risks to adults given this treatment. Occasionally patients may require re-treatment. Treating Graves’ disease with iodine 131-l is common in people over the age of 40 and in cases where anti-thyroid drugs don’t properly control the illness, according to ThyroidManager.com.

Anti-thyroid drugs are also used in treating Graves’ disease. By itself, an anti-thyroid drug can treat Graves’ disease without inducing thyroid damage. There may not be a high permanent remission rate, however.

When Is Surgery a Viable Option?

Surgery is an excellent treatment for patients with Graves’ disease. Surgery to remove the thyroid has the advantage of managing the disease quickly. The disadvantages to surgery include the normal risks of thyroid surgery.

If a thyroid surgeon performs the thyroidectomy, this is usually a curative treatment option for people with Graves’ disease. It can also be offered for patients who are not able to be managed with antithyroid drugs. Surgery is also a good option for women who a planning pregnancy – where radioactive iodine therapy is not a recommended treatment option.

The total removal of the thyroid gland is sometimes used for patients where other treatment methods have failed to improve their condition. Surgery is often the chosen treatment in patients who have a large goitre.

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

For more information about Graves’ disease click here.

References

  • Medical news today: link
  • Thyroid manager: link

The post What is Graves’ Disease and How is it Treated? appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

By

What Is Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is caused by low hormone production in the thyroid gland. Some disorders can lead to hypothyroidism. They may involve your thyroid gland, either directly or indirectly. Hypothyroidism causes a slowing down of the body’s metabolic rate and you’ll need help from a physician to get back on track.

Thyroid hormones affect cellular processes, along with growth and development, so a thyroid gland that is under-producing can have serious ramifications for your whole body.

What are Thyroid Hormones

Thyroid hormones are, of course, those produced by your thyroid gland. The gland is found in the lower part of your neck. This gland uses iodine, usually from the foods you eat, to produce proper levels of thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

You may find that hypothyroidism symptoms are subtle. They can look like the symptoms of many other health conditions. They may even be attributed to aging.

If your hypothyroidism is mild, you may have no symptoms. They will become more easily seen as your condition worsens. Most of these signs are related to the slowing down of your metabolism.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Intolerance of cold
  • Modest weight gain
  • Coarse, dry hair
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Muscle cramps
  • Aches and pains
  • Leg swelling
  • Decreased levels of concentration

As this disease increases in its severity, you may also experience lowered body temperature, a slowing heart rate, puffiness around your eyes and heart failure. The most severe form of hypothyroidism can lead to coma and even death, according to MedicineNet.

If your thyroid is severely under-producing, a coma may be triggered by traumatic injury, stress, surgery or a severe illness. In this situation hospitalisation will be needed for acute management.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, if properly diagnosed, can be fully treated with replacement thyroid hormones. Left untreated, it can lead to fluid accumulation around the lungs, an enlarged heart and worsening heart failure.

Man-made synthetic hormones are most often used for the management of hypothyroidism, states WebMD. Once your treatments have begun, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your physician to make sure the dosage is correct.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually begin to improve within days of the onset of treatment. All of your symptoms should be gone within several months. Children and infants who have hypothyroidism must always receive treatment. People in poor general health and older adults sometimes take a longer time period to respond to the medications.

Treatment Duration

If you have had your thyroid gland removed or have been treated with radiation and develop hypothyroidism, you will usually need treatment for the remainder of your life. The same is true if your condition was caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

If your hypothyroidism was triggered by a serious infection or illness, your thyroid levels will probably return to normal after you have recovered.

Some medications can cause hypothyroidism. If this is the case, your thyroid hormone production should return to normal when you stop taking those medications.

Mild Hypothyroidism

Mild cases of hypothyroidism may not initially need treatment. However, you should watch closely for any signs that your hypothyroidism may be getting worse. You and your physician will discuss the positives and negatives of using medications to treat mild hypothyroidism.

Medication doses for hypothyroidism must be carefully watched if you have heart disease as well, since too much thyroid hormone replacement medication will increase the risk for irregular heartbeats and chest pain.

Ongoing Treatments

You will probably need some sort of treatment for your hypothyroidism for the remainder of your life. Be sure to take your medicine as directed. Hypothyroidism may worsen with age and your dosage may need to be increased.

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

References

The post Successfully Treating Hypothyroidism appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

By

Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

The symptoms of thyroid disease are going to vary from one person to the next. The symptoms depend on the type of thyroid problem. Thyroid hormone imbalance may be due to hypothyroidism – an underactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism – an overactive thyroid. For both conditions, the symptoms may develop over a variable time frame. Many of the symptoms may be mistaken for the common signs that accompany aging.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

  • Irregular heart rate – tachycardia
  • Weight loss and increased appetite
  • Sweating
  • Intolerance to warm weather
  • Infrequent menstruation cycles
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Enlargement in neck area
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Eye problems such as eye protrusion or eye irritation – typically seen with Graves’ disease.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

  • Lack of appetite
  • Weight gain
  • Depression
  • Intolerance to cold weather
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • Inability to think clearly
  • Puffy face and swollen lips

If you have concerns regarding possible symptoms relating to thyroid disease, consult their doctor.

When visiting the doctor, he or she will question you about their symptoms of thyroid disorder. A physical exam will also be conducted. Simple blood tests will often be performed to determine if the thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream are too high or too low. Once all of the needed information has been gathered from the tests, your doctor will discuss the results and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

In most instances, thyroid hormone imbalance can be treated with medical management. The medication prescribed must be taken on a daily basis. After starting treatment – the majority of patients begin to notice a marked improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks time. Most symptoms should disappear altogether within 2-3 months. The good news is that both conditions are fairly routine to treat. For patients who have hyperthyroidism not responsive to medical management, other treatment options are available.

Occasional follow up visits to the doctor’s office will also be required. For patients who have hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone dosages may need to be adjusted periodically to adequately supplement your body’s thyroid hormone requirement. Receiving too little or too much of the thyroid hormone could potentially be harmful, particularly for pregnant women.

Certain signs can be easy to miss – so pre-emptive testing is recommended for:

  • Women over 60 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • Those with a family history of the conditions
  • Individuals who suffer from arthritis and diabetes

The symptoms of thyroid disease can worsen over time if left untreated. This can affect your quality of life. It is important, especially those with a history of thyroid disorders in their family to watch out for these symptoms. Prompt treatment is recommended.

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

For more information about thyroid gland disorders click here.

The post What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Diseases? appeared first on Thyroid Clinic Sydney.

Call (02) 8188 2570
or our local call number 1300 123 368

Stay Connected

Contact Us

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Your Message

    [recaptcha]

     

    Translate

    ENT Clinic Sydney - Suite 70B, Royal Randwick Shopping Centre, 73 Belmore Road, Randwick, Sydney, Australia

    FRACS
    ASOHNS
    DAA
    MUH
    university-of-newcastle
    university-of-sydney
    university-of-queensland
    university-of-oxford
    australasian-college-of-dermatologists
    nutrition-blog-network
    speech-pathology-australia