Thank you for attending today’s class on thyroid diseases and their symptoms. We explored the crucial role of the thyroid, common disorders affecting it, and the symptoms to be aware of. We also discussed diagnosis, treatment options, and the importance of medical consultation.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

1. Understanding the Thyroid’s Role

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck responsible for regulating metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, digestion, and brain function.
It produces essential hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which help control these functions.

2. Common Thyroid Diseases and Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid): Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, tremors, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating. Causes include Graves' disease and toxic nodules.
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold intolerance, and dry skin. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the leading cause.
Goiter: An enlarged thyroid, often due to iodine deficiency or other underlying conditions.
Thyroid Nodules: Lumps in the thyroid that may or may not be cancerous.
Thyroid Eye Disease: Associated with Graves' disease, it causes eye bulging, redness, and irritation.

3. Risk Factors and Diagnosis

Risk factors include family history, age (60+), gender (women are 5-8 times more likely to have thyroid issues), and autoimmune diseases.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests measuring TSH, T3, and T4 levels, physical exams, and imaging tests like ultrasounds.

4. Treatment Options

Hyperthyroidism Treatments: Medications (anti-thyroid drugs, beta-blockers), radioactive iodine, or thyroid surgery.
Hypothyroidism Treatment: Synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine).
Lifestyle Considerations: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and monitoring for symptom changes.
Medical Follow-ups: Regular screenings and discussions with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment as needed.

5. When to See a Doctor

If experiencing unexplained weight changes, persistent fatigue, heart palpitations, mood changes, or swelling in the neck area.
Annual thyroid screening is recommended, especially for those at higher risk.

Resources for Further Learning

Videos

Links to Sites Referenced in This Class:

As always follow the advice of your own healthcare professional on all your health decisions.