Thyroid Disease State Management

The thyroid gland, which is located in the base of the neck, is a gland that is essential in producing and releasing two hormones, T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), into the body. Through the release of T4 and T3, the thyroid gland controls the body’s metabolic rate. Thyroid disease is currently affecting close to 20 million Americans, and is eight times more prevalent in women than men. If there are inadequate levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, this results in a slowing of the body’s metabolism, and is called hypothyroidism. If the thyroid produces excessive levels of hormones in the bloodstream, this results in an increased level of metabolic rate, and is called hyperthyroidism.

Thyroid disease can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms are easily confused with other conditions. However, a simple test is able to identify an over performing or underperforming thyroid called the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test. If the disease is identified early, treatment can begin to restore the body to a therapeutic level of thyroid hormone.

There are several causes of hypothyroidism, but the most common is thyroiditis, or an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is typically treated with a synthetic form of hormone called levothyroxine sodium. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is a disorder known as Graves’ disease, or diffuse toxic goiter. Hyperthyroidism is substantially more difficult to treat, and requires normalization of thyroid hormone production. Treatment options involve drugs that block the production of the hormone, radioactive iodine treatment that disables the thyroid, and as a last option, surgical removal of part or the entire gland.

Links - Thyroid Disease

Wikipedia - Information about the Thyroid from Wikipedia - the Free Encyclopedia.

American Thyroid Association - The ATA provides outstanding leadership in thyroidology by promoting excellence and innovation in clinical care, research, education, and public policy.

Thyroid Disease - Information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

About.com Thyroid Disease - Basic Information on Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Cancer

Teens Health - Thyroid Disease and Teens

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