Thyroid Glands

The Thyroid is a small but important gland found just below theAdam's apple.

It's purpose is to produce hormones that control the body's energy levels and it's metabolism.

Thyroid problems are very common but they appear in women more often than men and midlife is a typical time for it to start.

It is diagnosed by means of a blood test and if it is underactive it is known as hypothyroidism,

and if it is overactive it is known as hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

- weight gain
- depression
- sluggishness
- feeling cold
- mental slowness
- heavy periods

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
overactive thyroid gland

- weight loss despite a good appetite
- anxiety- palpitationa
- agitation
- hyperactivity
- hand tremours
- feeling hot
- light or non-existent periods

Treatment

An underactive thyroid is treated with thyroxine, which is a hormone that boosts levels back to normal.

An overactive thyroid in older patients is usually treated with radioactive iodine, which destroys the thyroid, but it can also be treated with a drug called carbimazole or surgery to remove most of the thyroid. This is more common in patients under 40.

To find more information please visit one of the websites below.

British Thyroid Foundation - patient-led charitable organisation

British Thyroid Assocation - a non-profit making Society

Thyroid Foundation of North Cumbria - Support Group for information and advice

The Hormone Foundation - resource for hormone-related conditions