Located in the front part of the
neck underneath the skin and muscle, the thyroid gland produces
thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the hormones
responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism. Additionally,
these hormones affect the growth of tissue, including brain
maturation in infants. The hormones also affect many aspects of
the body's metabolism along with proper function of the heart
and the muscles. “Most people go through their daily lives
without even recognizing how important the thyroid gland is,”
says
Eric Tay, M.D. an
endocrinologist with The Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC).
The release of T4 and T3 is controlled by the pituitary gland
and the hypothalamus, which is an area at the base of the brain
that works like a thermostat for your system.
“The hypothalamus alerts the pituitary gland to produce a
hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, and the
amount that is released is determined by how much T4 and T3 is
in the blood,” explains Dr. Tay. “If the thyroid is producing
too much or too little of these hormones, it can cause serious
problems.”
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs due to the
overproduction of thyroid hormones. Symptoms can include weight
loss, nervousness, increased heart rate, irregular menstrual
period and fatigue.
“In many cases, the onset of these symptoms is so gradual, that
many people won’t even notice them until they become more
severe,” explains Dr. Tay. “It can take weeks or even months for
the body to feel the full impact of the increase in hormone
levels.”
On the opposite end of the scale is hypothyroidism, which
develops from insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. “Because
the thyroid is in control of the body’s metabolism, those who
suffer from hypothyroidism often have symptoms associated with a
slow metabolism, such as weight gain,” says Dr. Tay. “Other
symptoms include fatigue, memory loss and intolerance to cold.”
Studies have shown that more than 10 percent of all women have
some varying degree of hypothyroidism and most have gone
undiagnosed.
Other thyroid conditions include thyroiditis, or inflammation of
the thyroid gland, and goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid
gland. Thyroid cancer can also develop and more than 20,000
cases are diagnosed each year with women making up the majority
of cases.
“Surprisingly, about 40-50 percent of the U.S. population over
60 years old have thyroid nodules that can turn into thyroid
cancer,” says Dr. Tay, “but the vast majority of nodules are
benign.”
There is good news for people who suffer from hypo- or
hyperthyroidism: these conditions are treatable. “A blood test
is the first step in determining whether or not these conditions
exist,” explains Dr. Tay. “Once diagnosed, conventional
treatment options range from prescription medications to
surgery.”
“Because thyroid problems develop gradually, it’s important to
talk with your doctor about how you can effectively monitor the
hormone levels in your blood,” urges Dr. Tay. “Educate yourself
on the causes and symptoms so that you can be aware of how your
body is functioning. There is no reason why a thyroid condition
should go undiagnosed or worse yet, untreated.”
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The Austin Diagnostic Clinic is
a multi-specialty clinic with physicians representing 24 medical
specialties at seven locations. For more information about The
Austin Diagnostic Clinic physicians and services, see the
website www.adclinic.com
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