General Questions:
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.
