Microsoft word - 4--dwm newsletter - january 2011 - thyroid awareness month.doc

Thyroid Awareness
Month
What is the thyroid? What does it do?
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland (located at the base of your neck) that helps control your metabolism by making and releasing hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream. “Metabolism” is your body’s way of turning food energy into energy your body uses to move, grow, and repair itself when injured. Thyroid hormone: Too Much…Not Enough
When your thyroid gland releases too much thyroid hormone, your body’s systems speed up. This is called hyperthyroidism. Some
common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, irritability or anxiety,
muscle weakness, and sleeping problems. It can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery.

When your thyroid gland doesn’t release enough thyroid hormone, your body’s systems slow down. This is called hypothyroidism.
Some symptoms of hypothyroidism are learning disabilities, drowsiness, low energy, forgetfulness, lowered body
temperature, depression, decreased heart rate, and weight gain. It is commonly treated with a single daily dose of
levothyroxine, with the dosage slowly increasing over time (since hypothyroidism is often a permanent condition).

As you can see, having either a hyperactive or an underactive thyroid can negatively affect your overall well-being. Other diseases of
the thyroid gland include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid carcinoma (thyroid cancer), and thyroid nodules.
Fact:  Thyroid  disease  is  more  common  than  diabetes  or  heart  disease,  affecting  as  many  as  27  million 
Americans (more than half of whom remain undiagnosed).  How do I know if my thyroid function is healthy?
Know how to recognize the symptoms of thyroid disease; and, since many symptoms may not be noticeable, ask your doctor for
a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test―a simple blood test that verifies your thyroid gland’s condition.
10 FAQs about the Thyroid
& Thyroid Disorders
TSH Test Results 
(in microunits of TSH per milliliter of blood ― mIU/mL))   Thyroid disorders are more common in women than in men.  Thyroid disorders tend to run in families. Possible hyperthyroidism:  Less than 0.4 mIU/mL 
 Fatigue is a common symptom of both overactive and Normal TSH:  From 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/mL 
Possible hypothyroidism:  Greater than 4.0 mIU/mL 
 TSH testing is the most useful screening test for thyroid  Successfully managing a thyroid condition depends on regular checkups with your physician.  Thyroid medication should not be altered or stopped without your physician’s knowledge.  Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in America and one of the most treatable.  Untreated thyroid disorders may lead to elevated cholesterol levels, heart disease, infertility, and osteoporosis.  Research shows a strong genetic link between thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases including diabetes, arthritis, and  Even before conception, untreated thyroid conditions can hinder a woman’s ability to become pregnant or can lead to miscarriage. Fortunately, most thyroid problems that affect pregnancy are easily treated. Optimal  Life  is  dedicated  to  helping  you  live  your  life  to  the  fullest  through  education  and 
health awareness…Because You Deserve an Optimal Life!

Source: https://optimalife.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/January2011.pdf