DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I recently read that thyroid issues affect women more often than men. Can you explain what the thyroid is and how it affects my body? Can I do anything to prevent having issues with my thyroid as I age?

ANSWER: The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. The thyroid has a significant impact on the body because it produces hormones that help regulate many of your body’s functions.

The thyroid gland produces two main hormones: thyroxine, or T4, and triiodothyronine, or T3. These hormones keep your body's metabolism of fats and carbohydrates consistent, aid in maintaining your body's temperature, have an impact on how well your nervous system functions, and can affect your heart rate. A third hormone, known as calcitonin, which aids in controlling the level of calcium in your blood, also is produced by your thyroid gland.

Unfortunately, there are numerous disorders that can affect the thyroid, and women are at higher risk for thyroid issues than men. About 1 in every 8 women will suffer from thyroid illness during her lifetime, according to the American Thyroid Association.

Although it is believed that the development of thyroid illness is connected to a person’s autoimmune system, it is not known why women are more susceptible than men to thyroid disease. Genetics may play a role. Women of any age can experience thyroid issues, although women who have just given birth or are going through menopause are more likely to experience thyroid concerns.

Here is information about four of the most common thyroid conditions:

• Thyroid nodules
  It’s estimated that about half the population in the U.S. will have a thyroid nodule by the time they are 60. Although some may grow to a size where they are visible, frequently these nodules will go undetected until a routine medical examination. Fortunately, most thyroid nodules are benign, but a workup is necessary to determine whether thyroid cancer may be present. Evaluation of a suspected nodule may include a blood test and an ultrasound.

• Hyperthyroidism
  When the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, a condition known as hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, can occur. Sometimes benign nodules can cause an increase in hormones. Hyperthyroidism accelerates the body's metabolism, causing a variety of symptoms. These may include unexpected weight loss; increased hunger; a rapid or irregular pulse; sweating; mood issues, such as increased anxiety or irritation; and changes in menstrual cycle. Depending on a person’s age and health history, treatment options may include medication to reduce hormone levels or shrink the thyroid gland. Additionally, some patients may be eligible for surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid.

• Hypothyroidism
  When the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, can occur. There may not be noticeable symptoms of this condition in the early stages, as symptoms often develop slowly or are attributed to other ailments. For instance, many patients report fatigue and weight gain. As the metabolism continues to slow, however, other symptoms may occur, including constipation, raspy voice, muscular weakness and sensitivity to cold. Treatment for hypothyroidism usually involves taking a thyroid medication known as levothyroxine to return hormone levels to a normal level.

• Hashimoto’s disease
  Hashimoto's disease, or chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when immune system cells lead to the death of the thyroid's hormone-producing cells, resulting in hypothyroidism. Although anyone can develop Hashimoto's disease, it is most common among middle-aged women. The primary treatment is thyroid hormone replacement.

There is no way to prevent thyroid disease. The best course of action is to establish a routine to get annual health physicals and be aware of any symptoms you experience that are unusual. Speak with your health care team about your thyroid health, including the need for tests for thyroid hormone if you are concerned. If you are suspected to have thyroid issues, an evaluation by a thyroid expert or thyroid disorders clinic may be warranted. Overall, most people with thyroid disease can go on to live a normal life. — Compiled by Mayo Clinic staff

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Related Articles 

• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Thyroid nodules, cancer and treatment published 1/17/23
• Consumer Health: What happens if your thyroid is too active or not active enough? published 1/13/23
• Consumer Health: What do you know about the types of thyroid cancer? published 9/30/22
• What you should know about thyroid cancer in adolescents, young adults published 9/20/22
• Consumer Health: What is Hashimoto’s disease? published 1/7/22

The post Mayo Clinic Q and A: Women and thyroid disease appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

The thyroid gland creates and produces hormones that play a role in many systems throughout the body. When your thyroid makes too much or too little of these important hormones, it’s called thyroid disease.

And thyroid disease is common.

"We know that about 10% of people have some degree of thyroid dysfunction," says Dr. Juan Brito Campana, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist.

There are several different types of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid; hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid; and Hashimoto’s disease, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disease. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone that restores adequate hormone levels.

Levothyroxine is one of the most common prescription drugs in the U.S., but a new study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests it is significantly overused in people with mild hypothyroidism or no apparent thyroid dysfunction. These results were published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Brito Campana discusses diagnosis and treatment for thyroid disease, and what the research on the overuse of levothyroxine means for patients.

Watch: Dr. Brito discuss treatment of thyroid disease:

Read the full transcript.

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For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

The post Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Overtreating an underactive thyroid appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My sister was diagnosed recently with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. She mentioned having to take medication and being on a special diet. Is there anything else she can do to manage symptoms? Am I am at risk for this condition, too?

ANSWER: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. It is named after a Japanese physician who first described the condition in the early 1900s. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, in the U.S.

Women experience thyroid problems in far greater numbers than men, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 women can develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. While Hashimoto's thyroiditis primarily affects middle-aged women, it also occurs in women of any age, as well as in men and children.

People who get Hashimoto's thyroiditis often have family members who have thyroid disease or other autoimmune diseases. Patients with thyroid issues should tell their children and immediate relatives about their condition, so they can be aware and determine if testing is appropriate. While you may not have any symptoms of thyroid issues now, you can speak to your health care provider about whether you should have your thyroid checked.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis typically progresses slowly, over years. In some cases, people may not notice the signs or symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as thyroid function can be normal. However, in most cases, a decrease in thyroid hormone production results in chronic inflammation. People may first notice a swelling at the front of the throat.

Other signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, feeling cold, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, depressed mood, memory issues, constipation, menstrual changes, muscle weakness, or aches and pain. Fertility may be a sign for some women. Some patients with hypothyroidism may go undiagnosed for prolonged periods of time.

Typically, if you have the symptoms of hypothyroidism, undergoing a simple blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, as well as free T4 levels can determine if your thyroid is underactive or not.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary, which is part of your brain. This hormone provides a measurable signal within the blood to help assess thyroid health. In the most common forms of hypothyroidism, thyroid-stimulating hormone promptly rises when thyroid hormone becomes insufficient for a person. This means a person may have a free T4 thyroid hormone level that still falls within the population normal range, but if the level is not appropriate for that person, the thyroid-stimulating hormone can be expected to be consistently elevated on blood testing.

Should thyroid blood test results raise the question of hypothyroidism, your health care team will advise you if additional testing is warranted.

Recommendations for managing thyroid levels are based on clinical factors, so each person may be different. In some cases, close monitoring with serial thyroid blood tests will be advisable, while in other cases, initiation of thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be indicated. Your sister should visit with an endocrinologist who can help her effectively manage her condition.

Most patients with hypothyroidism requiring therapy can be successfully managed with an oral medication called levothyroxine. Choices include generic or brand-name forms of this medication that need be taken once daily. Your health care team can advise you in more detail about these options.

If hypothyroidism is the cause of a person's symptoms, the symptoms should gradually resolve once thyroid hormone levels are back in the normal range. After thyroid hormone replacement therapy is started, thyroid blood tests are typically checked about every six weeks until the levels are in target range and felt to be stable. Subsequent tests may be performed every six months to one year.

If your sister is receiving hormone therapy for hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, she should schedule follow-up visits as often as her health care provider recommends. It's important to make sure she is receiving the correct dose of medicine. Over time, the dose she needs to adequately replace her thyroid function may change.

The only other caveat is that if your sister's symptoms persist despite medication and thyroid levels evening out, it is possible that the symptoms may be related to another underlying condition other than the thyroid.

Further evaluation for other potential causes of the symptoms is then warranted. Anemia, iron deficiency, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep disruptions, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, behavioral health concerns such as depression and anxiety, as well as significant stress have been found to be present in hypothyroid patients with appropriate thyroid levels and persistent symptoms. For the patient to feel better, these underlying issues need to be addressed. — Dr. Victor Bernet, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

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Related Articles 

• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Hypothyroidism and dietary challenges published 9/14/20
• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Thyroid disorder may not show symptoms until pregnancy published 9/24/19
• Mayo Clinic Q and A: Mild hypothyroidism may not need treatment published 9/17/19
• Study finds similar cardiovascular outcomes for generic, brand-name drugs for hypothyroidism published 6/19/19

The post Mayo Clinic Q and A: What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

These days, Molly Hanson feels awesome. Free from pain, she's now eager to get back into her life. Molly's energy today stands in stark contrast to how she felt a year ago — before she visited Mayo Clinic and learned an undiagnosed medical condition was to blame for many of her debilitating symptoms.

Molly Hanson's life was spinning out of control. In near-constant pelvic and abdominal pain, she was chronically constipated, got lightheaded all the time, had irregular heartbeats and kept breaking out in a rash. For close to a decade, Molly ping-ponged between health care providers, searching for answers to her persistent medical issues. Despite many diagnoses — including slow bowel transit and postural tachycardia syndrome — and a multitude of treatments, nothing provided lasting relief.

"It's almost like I kept being dismissed, like what I had going on wasn't an issue," says Molly, who lives with her husband in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. "Deep down, I thought I was losing my mind."

Although Molly lost faith that she'd ever feel well, she continued searching for a path to improved health. One of those paths led her to a conversation with a co-worker, who asked Molly if she'd considered seeking care at Mayo Clinic.

"I never thought that going to Mayo Clinic they would find anything wrong because I was used to never getting answers, but I was so hopeful," Molly says.

That hope compelled Molly to request an appointment, and in November 2018, she flew to Mayo Clinic in Arizona. There she met the first member of a multidisciplinary care team who finally connected the dots between her many symptoms and was able to provide her with effective treatment.

"I have been through the wringer," Molly says. "From doctors looking at me and saying, 'I don't know what's wrong,' or 'We don't think there's anything wrong,' or 'We can't fix you,' to feeling like it's in my head, then going to Mayo and telling them my story and learning that everything I have is so rare, but hearing them say, 'We know what is wrong.' Mayo Clinic has saved my life and changed my life in so many ways."

A complicated history

When Molly arrived at Mayo Clinic, she'd been waging a 10-year war against her digestive system and slow bowel transit. Her condition resulted in constipation so severe she could go for weeks without having a bowel movement. Although Molly won a battle in June 2015 with the surgical removal of most of her colon and connection of her small intestine to the sigmoid colon, the fight continued when constipation returned.

Dizziness, lightheadedness and irregular heartbeats landed Molly the diagnosis of postural tachycardia syndrome, or POTS — a condition that affects the way the heart beats when shifting from sitting to standing. Molly received prescription medication to treat it. She also received prescriptions for anxiety and ulcers, as well as Hashimoto's disease — a condition in which the immune system affects thyroid function. And Hashimoto's wasn't the only autoimmune condition Molly developed. Her body broke out in a rash, and she was diagnosed with vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels.

"I'm on thyroid pills and not getting better. I'm on anxiety medication. My bowels are not getting better. My rash keeps coming and going. What am I supposed to do?"

Molly Hanson

On top of all that, the pain associated with constipation was compounded by several bouts of severe pelvic pain and pressure that were so excruciating Molly required hospitalization. "I tried Dilaudid, morphine, all this stuff went into my IV, but nothing dulled my pain," Molly says. Eventually, the pain dissipated. It routinely returned, however, and Molly was hospitalized four more times.

Molly sought advice from her gynecologist, who suggested the pain could be due to the colon surgery causing her to develop a tight pelvic floor. "At this point, I'm frustrated. I was mad," Molly says. "I'm on thyroid pills and not getting better. I'm on anxiety medication. My bowels are not getting better. My rash keeps coming and going. What am I supposed to do?"

The answer to that question came not from a doctor, but from the work colleague who suggested Mayo Clinic. It was some of the best advice she'd ever received, Molly says. "I am doing so much better because Mayo did it so much differently."

A comprehensive approach

That difference was evident during Molly's first Mayo Clinic appointment in November 2018 with Paul Snyder Jr., M.D., in Consultative Medicine. "I've never had a doctor honestly sit down with me and really listen and dive in and make me feel like I'm not losing my mind," Molly says. "Paul Snyder looked into my eyes and said: 'This is not in your head. There is something wrong, and we're going to find it.' It was just such a relief."

Dr. Snyder referred Molly to Mayo specialists in the departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Neurology and Rheumatology. They ordered a slate of tests focused on her most troublesome symptoms.

During her Neurology appointment, Molly underwent a tilt table test that confirmed her POTS diagnosis. She also was tested for mast cell disease, or systemic mastocytosis, an autoimmune condition that can cause symptoms such as itching, flushing, rapid heartbeat and lightheadedness. The results of that test came back positive. But that wasn't the only surprising finding Molly's Mayo team made during her initial two-week workup.

"I felt so relieved that finally someone found something."

Molly Hanson

A CT scan to look for an intestinal obstruction revealed something else: a pelvic venous outflow obstruction. The anatomical condition, known as May Thurner syndrome, occurs when the left common iliac vein gets compressed between the spine and the right common iliac artery. That inhibits the flow of blood as it travels through the pelvis to the heart. Among the many symptoms caused by May Thurner are pelvic pain, abdominal swelling and blood clots, as well as lethargy, depression, headaches and nausea.

"I felt so relieved that finally someone found something," Molly says. In March, Molly made an appointment with Grace Knuttinen, M.D., Ph.D., in the Interventional Radiology Clinic to undergo diagnostic testing and determine the severity of the blockage. It turned out that Molly's case was quite severe.

Molly also spent time in March with Mayo gastroenterologists to address her persistent constipation. As part of those appointments, Molly underwent tests to examine her remaining colon. After the testing, she met with surgeon Tonia Young-Fadok, M.D., in Colon and Rectal Surgery, who explained that during Molly's 2015 surgery, a portion of her colon was left behind, and it had become dysfunctional.

"She explained to me that she was going to take out the remaining sigmoid colon, which is the last bit of colon I had left, and basically attach the small intestine to the rectum," Molly says. "With it, we wouldn't have to worry about the slow transit."

Learning she required a second colon surgery was unnerving at first, Molly says. "I was like: 'Are you kidding me? We have to go through surgery again?' But I trusted her. I felt comfortable with her. She was amazing."

A lasting solution

Molly, who works as a middle school financial secretary, scheduled the colon surgery during her summer break. But Molly was back at Mayo long before then. Just one week after she returned home in March, she received a follow-up phone call from Dr. Knuttinen about the May Thurner syndrome. Dr. Knuttinen described the severity of Molly's obstruction at 97%, and she explained that the blocked venous blood flow may be contributing to Molly's chronic pelvic pain.

Molly returned to Mayo in April for a stenting procedure to relieve the venous obstruction. It involved inserting a catheter through her groin into her left common femoral vein. Using intravascular ultrasound, Molly's team then assessed the length and severity of the obstruction and determined the size of stent needed to open it and allow for normal blood flow from the pelvis to the heart.

Normally, the stent placement for May Thurner is an outpatient procedure, but Dr. Knuttinen wanted Molly to stay longer than that. "I admitted her because I was unsure how her improved blood return would impact her nervous system as it related to her POTS," Dr. Knuttinen says.

"I just started to feel calmer. I had more energy and just felt like I was starting to feel alive."

Molly Hanson

During Molly's hospitalization, Dr. Knuttinen visited her twice a day. "She is the most caring, sweet, probably my favorite doctor that I've ever had," Molly says. "I had quite a lot of back pain for about a month after the procedure. But instantly, I started feeling relief (from my other symptoms). My vision improved. The heaviness I felt in my abdominal area was getting better. I just started to feel calmer. I had more energy and just felt like I was starting to feel alive."

Two months after she received the stent, Molly returned to Mayo for her colon surgery, which was performed laparoscopically. "The colon surgery went really good. Everything healed up really well," Molly says. "So far I've noticed a difference where I have a bowel movement, and it doesn't hurt."

Life-changing care

Although Molly's Mayo Clinic journey is not over — she continues to work with her Mayo endocrinologist and neurologist to fine-tune the treatments for Hashimoto's and POTS and will be regularly monitored for neurological changes related to the disease — the change in her life since her surgeries has been profound.

"Who would've thought, 'Let's get you some proper blood flow and see what that makes you feel like?'" Molly says. "I'm finally getting my POTS under control. We're readjusting my thyroid medication, so that's becoming more under control. My energy is up, and every day I'm getting better. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've felt like this. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to be seen by such amazing doctors and nurses at Mayo."

"These patients are very unique and need to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated very carefully."

Grace Knuttinen, M.D., Ph.D.

While Molly's journey has been long and complicated, she is not alone, Dr. Knuttinen says. "Pelvic venous insufficiency is underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed and undertreated. The impact that pelvic venous outflow lesions can have on various organ systems in the body is complex and challenging to understand."

As a result of treating patients like Molly and realizing the complexity of the diagnosis and management of these patients, Dr. Knuttinen formed a multidisciplinary chronic pelvic pain conference held monthly with her colleagues from Gastroenterology, Gynecology, Radiology and Urology. It also includes pelvic floor physical therapy specialists.

"These patients are very unique and need to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated very carefully. It's very complex how all of these things are related. But it's fascinating how the pathophysiology can all be linked together in some degree and offer insight to the whole puzzle," Dr. Knuttinen says. "I give Molly kudos for never stopping until she found answers."

HELPFUL LINKS:

• Read about chronic pelvic pain.
• Learn more about postural tachycardia syndrome.
• Check out the departments of Radiology and Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
• Connect with others talking about women's health on Mayo Clinic Connect.
• Explore Mayo Clinic.
• Request an appointment.

The post Sharing Mayo Clinic: A puzzling problem with a precision care solution appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ on the front of your neck. Its main function is to produce a thyroid hormone that regulates your metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when a person's thyroid function decreases. Hashimoto thyroditis, also known as Hashimoto’s disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S.

“Hashimoto’s disease causes chronic inflammation of the thyroid, as antibodies form attacking your thyroid cells due to the changes to your immune mechanisms,” says Dr. Sakine Sever, a Mayo Clinic Health System endocrinologist.

Risk factors

Dr. Sever explains stress, infections, certain medications, and environmental and genetic factors are all thought to be triggers of Hashimoto’s disease. The affliction is also thought to be more common in females compared to males and is mostly seen between the ages of 30 and 50, with incidence increasing as you age.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease

In some cases, people may not notice the signs or symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, as thyroid function can be normal. In some rare cases, thyroid function may be increased. However, in most cases, a decrease in thyroid hormone production results in chronic inflammation. Dr. Sever says this can cause these symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance
• Depression
• Menstrual irregularity
• Joint pain and muscle cramps

Problems associated with Hashimoto’s disease

“Enlargement of the thyroid gland, also known as a goiter, can happen in patients with Hashimoto’s disease,” says Dr. Sever. “Most of the time, the goiter doesn’t cause pain.”

Also, it’s not uncommon to see thyroid nodules or abnormal growth of thyroid cells forming lumps in patients with Hashimoto’s disease. When thyroid nodules or a goiter become big enough, other symptoms may occur, including:

• Swallowing difficulty
• Hoarseness
• Breathing problems

Why you should seek care

If you have any of the above symptoms, your health care provider may recommend you undergo a thyroid function testing and sometimes ultrasound to evaluate your thyroid gland and nodule size. In certain instances, a rapidly enlarging thyroid gland can be related to thyroid lymphoma, which is an uncommon, yet highly treatable form of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, Hashimoto’s disease also can be associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Vitiligo
• Gluten sensitivity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Addison’s disease or pernicious anemia

Diagnosis

Generally, Hashimoto’s disease is diagnosed using laboratory testing. Decreased thyroid function and increased thyroid antibody levels (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies) are usually adequate to establish a diagnosis.

Treatment

“Treatment for Hashimoto’s disease often consists of thyroid hormone replacement using a medication called levothyroxine,” adds Dr. Sever. “Levothyroxine is generally dosed based on the patient’s weight. It’s very important to make sure you follow directions while using medication of this nature, as it is recommended levothyroxine be taken on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before eating.”

After starting on medication, thyroid hormone testing must be repeated in six to eight weeks for dose adjustment, with the goal of returning your thyroid hormone level to a normal range.

“Make sure to speak to your primary medical care provider if you have any questions,” says Dr. Sever. “They can provide answers to help keep you and your thyroid healthy.”

The post What is Hashimoto’s disease? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I just turned 30 and recently was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I’m wondering about whether it can be cured or if I will have to take medication for the rest of my life. I’ve read the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet may help. Is this true? Do you have any suggestions for managing symptoms?

ANSWER: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that usually progresses slowly and often leads to low thyroid hormone levels — a condition called hypothyroidism. The best therapy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is to normalize thyroid hormone levels with medication. A balanced diet and other healthy lifestyle choices may help when you have Hashimoto’s, but a specific diet alone is unlikely to reverse the changes caused by the disease.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the front of your neck. The hormones that the thyroid gland makes — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — affect all aspects of your metabolism. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate, and help regulate the production of proteins.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis develops when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid. It’s not clear why this happens. Some research seems to indicate that a virus or bacterium might trigger the immune response. It’s possible that a genetic predisposition also may be involved in the development of this autoimmune disorder.

A chronic condition that develops over time, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis damages the thyroid and eventually can cause hypothyroidism. That means your thyroid no longer produces enough of the hormones it usually makes. If that happens, it can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, sluggishness, constipation, unexplained weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, joint pain or stiffness, and muscle weakness.

If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, the most effective way to control them is to take a hormone replacement. That typically involves daily use of a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine that you take as an oral medication. It is identical to thyroxine, the natural version of a hormone made by your thyroid gland. The medication restores your hormone levels to normal and eliminates hypothyroidism symptoms.

You may hear about products that contain a form of thyroid hormones derived from animals. They often are marketed as being natural. Because they are from animals, however, they aren’t natural to the human body, and they potentially can cause health problems. The American Thyroid Association’s hypothyroidism guidelines recommend against using these products as a first-line treatment for hypothyroidism.

Although hormone replacement therapy is effective at controlling symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it is not a cure. You need to keep taking the medication to keep symptoms at bay. Treatment is usually lifelong. To make sure you get the right amount of hormone replacement for your body, you must have your hormone levels checked with a blood test once or twice a year.

If symptoms linger despite hormone replacement therapy, you may need to have the dose of medication you take each day adjusted. If symptoms persist despite evidence of adequate hormone replacement therapy, it’s possible those symptoms could be a result of something other than Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Talk to your health care provider about any bothersome symptoms you have while taking hormone replacement therapy.

A healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly and limiting stress can benefit your immune system, and could contribute to an improvement in your immune health. However, there’s no evidence that following one diet in particular is an effective treatment for autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you have questions about diet or other lifestyle choices you can make to improve your health when you have Hashimoto’s, please talk to your doctor. — Dr. Victor Bernet, Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida

The post Mayo Clinic Q and A: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — will diet alone help? appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

How aware are you of your thyroid gland?

On Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9 a.m. CT, Ian Hay, M.D., Ph. D., will join the program to mark Thyroid Awareness Month.  How do you know if your thyroid gland isn't working?  Who should be screened for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?  What is Hashimoto’s disease? Why are cases of thyroid cancer increasing?  Are women at greater risk of thyroid problems and why?  We hope you'll listen.

Myth or Matter of Fact:  Once you begin taking thyroid medication, you’re on it forever. 

Please join us LIVE at 9 am CT. Click here.

Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines: News Segment January 25, 2013 right click MP3)

Mayo Clinic Radio is a weekly one-hour radio program highlighting health and medical information from Mayo Clinic. The show is taped for rebroadcast by some affiliates. On Twitter follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions.

The post MAYO CLINIC RADIO appeared first on Mayo Clinic News Network.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, at 9 a.m. CT, Ian Hay, M.D., Ph.D., will join the program to mark Thyroid Awareness Month.  How do you know if your thyroid gland isn't working?  Who should be screened for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?  What is Hashimoto’s disease? Why are cases of thyroid cancer increasing?  Are women at greater risk of thyroid problems and why?  We hope you'll listen.

Myth or Matter of Fact:  Once you begin taking thyroid medication, you’re on it forever.

Miss the show? Here is the podcast: Mayo Clinic Radio Full Show 1-25-2014

To listen to the program live, click here.

For future topics, click on Upcoming Programs.

To listen to archived shows, click on Episodes.

If there is a topic you would like us to address, drop us a note.  Click here to create a guest account.

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