I think I may have a slow thyroid what are the possible symptoms?
Slow thyroid function or "hypothyroidism" occurs when the thyroid gland no longer produces enough
hormones. Symptoms can be variable but may include: feeling tired, dry skin, feeling more cold than usual, depression, mood
changes, difficulty concentrating, constipation, hoarse voice, elevated cholesterol, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness,
brittle hair and nails, unexplained weight gain and heavier than normal menstrual periods. For more information go to www.thyroid.org.
How can I find out if I have a thyroid condition?
Routine laboratory
testing for thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH can initially identify a possible thyroid condition in people with symptoms.
If this test is abnormal further more detailed testing may be necessary.
My
mother and sister both have a slow functioning thyroid and I’m starting to feel like I have some of the symptoms, should
I get tested?
Yes, thyroid disease can run in families
It seems like I keep hearing about all these people with thyroid nodules what exactly are they?
Any lumps of cells that grow in the thyroid are referred to as a thyroid nodule. Most people are unaware that
they have a thyroid nodule since they are not usually associated with symptoms. If symptoms do occur they may include hoarseness,
a feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing and pain. Most nodules are discovered incidentally on thyroid exam
by your healthcare provider or during imaging of another part of the neck. The reason that thyroid nodules are concerning
is that they may a form of cancer. Fortunately, cancer occurs in less than 10% of nodules, meaning that about 9 of 10 nodules
are benign (non-cancerous). If a nodule is found it will most likely be followed up with blood work and a thyroid ultrasound.
For more info: www.thyroid.org
My wife reads a lot about hormones
and tells me I should have my testosterone levels checked. What sort of symptoms would I have if my levels were low?
As with all hormone imbalances symptoms can vary, however common symptoms of low testosterone in men may include:
a decrease in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, a decrease in muscle size, osteoporosis (or loss of bone), mood
changes, fatigue, development of breast tissue (gynecomastia), hot flashes and difficulty concentrating. Talk to your health
care provider if you are experiencing symptoms, lab testing can be done and several treatment options are available.
Why do I hear so much about Vitamin
D these days?
Vitamin D is a hot topic because of all the current research about it. Vitamin D is actually not a "vitamin".
It behaves more like a hormone in the body. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to 17 varieties of cancer, heart disease,
stroke, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, diabetes, depression, weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects and periodontal
disease. We recommend Vitamin D3 supplementation (400iu, 2000iu, or 5000iu) depending on an individual's laboratory results. Visit www.vitamindcouncil.org for research and information on Vitamin D.
How do I have my Vitamin D level tested?
Your healthcare provider can order a simple
blood test that will provide your current Vitamin D level.
