Health Watch by Steve Mullenix

The North Jefferson News



Everybody has one, but what is it?

Even though it is a small gland in the neck, the thyroid gland has a vast effect on the body’s functions.

The hormones it produces influences almost every metabolic process in the body. One of the functions of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). The normal thyroid gland produces about 80 percent T4 and about 20 percent T3. The T3 possesses about four times the hormone “strength” as T4. Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism.

Thyroid disorders can range from a small harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problem involves abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much of these vital body chemicals result in a condition known has hyperthyroidism.

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• Weight loss despite increased appetite

• Increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration

• More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with recurring diarrhea

• Muscle weakness, trembling hands

• Development of goiter

• Lighter or shorter menstrual periods

There are several types of hyperthyroidism which are due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The condition can occur in several ways.

• Graves Disease: The release of excess hormones is trigged by an autoimmune disorder. For some unknown reason the body attacks the thyroid, causing it to release hormones.

• Toxic Adenomas: Nodules develop on the thyroid and begin to secrete thyroid hormones.

• Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland: Hyperthyroidism is rare from this condition, but nevertheless cannot be ignored.

Too little hormone production leads to hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones. The body’s energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones. A drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Lethargy, slower mental process or depression

• Reduced heart rate

• Increased sensitivity to cold

• Tingling or numbness in hands

• Development of goiter

• Constipation

• Heavy menstrual periods

• Dry Skin and hair

There are several causes of hypothyroidism.

• Hashioto’s thyroiditis: This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops production of hormones.

• Removal of the thyroid gland: The thyroid may be surgically removed or chemically destroyed as a treatment for hyperthyroidism.

• Exposure to excessive amounts of iodine: Certain cold or sinus medications, the heart medication Amiodarone or certain dyes given before some x-rays may expose someone to too much iodine.

• Lithium: This drug has also been linked to hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism poses a special danger to newborns and infants. A lack of thyroid hormone in early age can lead to the development of cretinism (mental retardation), and dwarfism. It is routine for an infant’s thyroid level to be checked soon after birth.

People with hypothyroidism need treatment with thyroid hormone medicine. Depending on the cause of their hypothyroidism, they may need treatment for the rest of their lives.

Drug therapy has improved significantly over the years. Initially, replacement therapy for hypothyroidism was with dried thyroid glands from slaughtered pigs, which were dried, ground and pressed into tablets. Yum.

Technology has improved. Therapy is much more specific now with the ability to prescribe pure human synthetic T3 or T4 hormones. Since these hormone replacements are much more pure, their dosage is significantly less, and individuals experience much less side effects.

It is important to take thyroid medication daily, and not skip a dose. Since the amount of drug given, and the amount of hormone in the body is so small, noncompliance of drug therapy can have a dramatic effect on your body and well being.

Follow-up visits with your health care professional are important to make sure that you are taking the correct dose of medicine. Most people return to their health professional for blood tests six to eight weeks after starting treatment. After thyroid hormone levels return to normal, thyroid function tests are rechecked every six to 12 months.

Steve Mullenix (R.Ph), co-owns The Pharmacy in Mount Olive with his wife, Sherry Mullenix (J.D., R.N.). They can be reached at 631-1201.