January is Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month and since thyroid diseases are fairly common, I thought I'd post some information for you.

Below are the descriptions of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism from the American Thyroid Association:

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include any of the following: feeling run down, slow, depressed, sluggish, cold, tired, having dry skin and hair, constipation, muscle cramps, or weight gain. Women may have a heavier menstrual flow. Some patients have a swelling in the front of the neck due to thyroid enlargement (a goiter).

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which the body has too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include weight loss, nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, a racing heart, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, increased bowel movements, fine brittle hair, and muscular weakness—especially in the upper arms and thighs. In Graves’ disease, a bulging of one or both eyes may occur.

For more information on thyroid disease visit the American Thyroid Association FAQ web page at http://www.thyroid.org/patients/faqs.html

TESTS FOR THYROID DISEASE:

There are many kinds of tests that may be used to diagnose thyroid disease. Check out these links for more information on the specific tests:

Thyroid Diseases Tests (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)

Thyroid Function Tests (American Thyroid Association)

TREATMENT OF THYROID DISEASE:

Treatment options for thyroid disease include medications and surgery. To learn about these treatments, check out these links:

Thyroid Hormone Treatment (American Thyroid Association)

Thyroid Medications (Food and Drug Administration)

Thyroid Surgery (American Thyroid Association)