Thyroid Diseases 101: A Patient’s List
Dr.Guttler’s comments:
- The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ that sits in the front of the neck.
- It makes thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
- Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common thyroid diseases.
- 1.2 percent of people in the U.S. suffer from hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid)—roughly one in 100 people.
- Women are two to 10 times more likely to have hyperthyroidism than men.
- Commonly caused by an autoimmune Graves’ Disease.
- Graves’ disease effects 1/200 people.
- People with a family history of Graves’ or a related autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes, or Celiac disease may later develop Graves’ disease.
- Symptoms also include a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland), irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), diarrhea, insomnia, weight loss, tremors, and heat intolerance.
- Hyperthyroidism usually has three treatment options.
- Medication such as methimazole or propylthiouracil to control thyroid function, surgery, or a procedure called radioactive iodine ablation, which kills a portion or all of the thyroid.
- Hypothyroidism means the gland is slowing down and failing to produce enough hormones.
- 4.6 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 12 suffers from mild hypothyroidism,five out of 100 people.
- Women are more prone to the condition.
- The most common autoimmune disorder that leads to hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto’s disease.
- Symptoms consistent with a slowing down such as cold intolerance, tiring easily, dry skin, constipation, memory changes, and depression.
- Replace missing thyroid hormones, doctors will prescribe a medication levothyroxine T4.
- Other factors for Thyroiditis onset after giving birth.
- After a virus infection called subacute thyroiditis).
- Some medications can also cause thyroiditis, particularly ones with a higher iodine content.
- Thyroid nodules—growths that are either tissue-filled or fluid-filled cysts and typically not noticeable until they became large—can lead to a permanently enlarged thyroid gland called a goiter.
- Goiter symptoms include coughing, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, and a tight feeling in the throat.
- A symptomatic goiter treatment plan can be non-surgical with either ethanol PEI or radiofrequency ablation RFA.
- Before and after ethanol ablation PEI of large cystic goiter
- 2018, there were 54,000 new cases of thyroid cancer
- 1.2 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in their lifetime.
- The survival rate is high with 98 percent five-year survival rate.
- A goiter or nodules on your thyroid can indicate cancer.
- The best test is a thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test.
- If it is normal you probably are not hypo or hyperthyroid.
- 1-310-393-8860 or thyroid.manager@thyroid.com for a consultation.
- Ask for Alicia
- Dr.G.
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