Better Health. No Hassles. The Thyroid and Your Health

Better Health. No Hassles. 2 Hormones and Your Health What Is a Hormone? Which Ones Especially Affect Women? What Can Go Wrong? Thyroid Disease - a “Hidden” Problem for Women

Better Health. No Hassles. 3 What are Hormones Chemicals that are released into the bloodstream Regulators of specific body functions

Better Health. No Hassles. The Endocrine System Hypothalamus Pituitary Gland Parathyroid Glands (located on each side of the trachea and near the thyroid) Pancreas Testes Thyroid Gland Adrenal Glands Ovaries

Better Health. No Hassles. Negative Feedback Loop

Better Health. No Hassles. Hormones of Special Interest to Women Thyroxine (T4) Thyronine (T3) Progesterone Estrogen

Better Health. No Hassles. The “Hidden” Health Problem Thyroid Disease

Better Health. No Hassles. Who do you know with Thyroid Disease?

Better Health. No Hassles. What Does Your Thyroid Gland Do for You? Produces two hormones called Thyroxine (T4) Thyronine (T3) Regulates metabolism so your cells function properly Affects every cell in the body

Better Health. No Hassles. Thyroid Disease Can Have Widespread Effects Thyroid Increased LDL Cholesterol Elevated Triglycerides Liver Constipation Decreased GI Activity Intestines Decreased Fertility Menstrual Abnormalities May Harm Development of Infant Reproductive System Depression Decreased Concentration General Lack of Interest Brain Decreased Heart Rate Increased/Decreased Blood Pressure Decreased Cardiac Output Heart Decreased Function Fluid Retention and Edema Kidneys Thyroid Disease Affects Many Body Systems and Overall Health

Better Health. No Hassles. Thyroid Uterus Heart Liver Kidney Brain Skin GI Tract Lungs Eyes Thyroid Hormone Affects Many Organs and General Health

Better Health. No Hassles. When the Thyroid Doesn’t Work HyperthyroidismHypothyroidism

Better Health. No Hassles. Two Common Types of Thyroid Disease Hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism

Better Health. No Hassles. When the Thyroid Doesn’t Work Hyperthyroidism Too Much Thyroid Hormone Metabolism Speeds Up Hypothyroidism Too Little Thyroid Hormone Metabolism Slows Down

Better Health. No Hassles. Hyperthyroidism Affects About 1% of the U.S. Population or Two Million Americans More Common Among Women

Better Health. No Hassles. Bulging Eyes/Unblinking Stare Menstrual Irregularities or Light Period Excessive Vomiting in Pregnancy First-Trimester Miscarriage Family History of Thyroid Disease or Diabetes Nervousness Irritability Difficulty Sleeping Swelling (Goiter) Frequent Bowel Movements Warm, Moist Palms Hoarseness or Deepening of Voice Difficulty Swallowing Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat Infertility Weight Loss Heat Intolerance Increased Sweating Persistent Sore or Dry Throat Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Better Health. No Hassles. Common Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism Nervousness Irritability Difficulty Sleeping Bulging Eyes Unblinking Stare Goiter Rapid Heartbeat Increased Sweating Heat Intolerance Unexplained Weight Loss Scant Menstrual Periods Frequent Bowel Movements Warm, Moist Palms Fine Tremor of Fingers

Better Health. No Hassles. If You Have Hyperthyroidism, You’re in Good Company Barbara Bush 1984 Pre-treatment Barbara Bush 1991 Post-treatment

Better Health. No Hassles. Hypothyroidism: The Hidden Health Problem Affects Up to 25 Million AmericansBut Approximately 12 Million Are Undiagnosed

Better Health. No Hassles. Hypothyroidism Affects Multiple Body Systems Central Nervous System Female Reproductive System Cardiovascular System Hypothyroidism Can Cause Serious Harm to Your Health

Better Health. No Hassles. Tiredness Forgetfulness/Slower Thinking Moodiness/ Irritability Depression Inability to Concentrate Thinning Hair or Hair Loss Loss of Body Hair Dry, Patchy Skin Weight Gain Cold Intolerance Elevated Cholesterol Muscle Weakness or Cramps Constipation Infertility Menstrual Irregularities/ Heavy Period Slower Heartbeat Difficulty Swallowing Persistent Dry or Sore Throat Hoarseness/ Deepening of Voice Swelling (Goiter) Puffy Eyes Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Better Health. No Hassles. Common Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Tiredness Loss of Interest and/or Pleasure Forgetfulness Dry, Coarse Hair Loss of Lateral Eyebrow Hair Puffy Face and Eyes Goiter Slow Heartbeat Dry Skin Cold Intolerance Weight Gain Heavy Menstrual Periods Constipation Brittle Nails

Better Health. No Hassles. Hypothyroidism: The “Hidden” Disease Cardiovascular: Slow Heartbeat Elevated Cholesterol Aging: Dry, Scaly Skin Sparse or Coarse Hair Gynecological: Irregular Menstruation Infertility Gastrointestinal: Constipation Weight Gain Muscular: Muscle Weakness Stiffness Ear, Nose & Throat: Hoarse Voice Psychiatric: Impaired Concentration Depression Lethargy, Fatigue Blood: Anemia

Better Health. No Hassles. How to Remember the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Sleepiness, Fatigue, Lethargy Loss of Memory, Trouble Concentrating Unusually Dry, Coarse Skin Goiter (Enlarged Thyroid) Gradual Personality Change, Depression Increase in Weight, Bloating or Puffiness (Edema) Sensitivity to Cold Hair Loss, Sparseness of Hair

Better Health. No Hassles. Spectrum of Thyroid Disease Severe Mild Subclinical

Better Health. No Hassles. Diagnosing Hypothyroidism Family and personal medical history Hypothyroidism may be Hereditary Physical exam MD Observes the Patient Palpates the thyroid Interviews patient Laboratory Tests TSH Test Free T4

Better Health. No Hassles. Diagnosing Thyroid Disease Family and Medical History Physical Examination Laboratory Tests (TSH Test and Free T4)

Better Health. No Hassles. TSH Testing Thyroid “Sends Telegram” Pituitary T3 & T4 TSH

Better Health. No Hassles. Why Test Women Over 40? Early Detection Early Treatment Prevention of Organ Damage Unpleasant Symptoms Other Negative Health Consequences

Better Health. No Hassles. Treating Thyroid Disorders Radioiodine Therapy Stop Thyroid Hormone Production Anti-thyroid drugs often helpful Replacement therapy often needed Surgery maybe necessary Monitoring tailored to individual patient status and needs Hyperthyroidism

Better Health. No Hassles. Treating Thyroid Disorders Daily oral medication to replace missing hormone Individualized dosing adjustment to find the right dose for each patient Annual monitoring Hypothyroidism

Better Health. No Hassles. Your Responsibilities Tell your doctor if you have symptoms Ask your doctor for a TSH test and free T4 -- make these tests as part of your medical routine if you are a woman over 35 Take your medication as directed Take your thyroid medication separately from iron, calcium and multivitamins Do not change brand or dose of your thyroid medication without consulting your doctor If symptoms persist or return, tell your doctor

Better Health. No Hassles. Be Your Physician’s Partner in Your Health Care Prepare any questions you may have in advance Don’t hesitate to ask them Observe good health practices – Eat right and exercise Bring your medications with you when you see your doctor

Better Health. No Hassles. Don’t Let Your Thyroid Slow You Down Know the signs and symptoms – Tell your doctor if you have any of them – Ask your doctor for a tsh test and free t4 if you have them Take your medications only as directed by your physician Don’t skip your medicine – consistency is the key to effective treatment and your thyroid health Don’t change brands or dose unless your doctor approves the change and monitors your blood levels Take time to take care of yourself!