What is the thyroid and what does it do?

-A small butterfly shaped gland at the front of your neck.

-Produces ‘thyroid hormone’ which is very important in regulating the body.

-Does a range of things from: keeping us warm, to regulating heart, brain, muscles, bowels.



What happens when your thyroid slows down and becomes underactive?

-We start to get a range of symptoms affecting all parts of the body, that are often very subtle and difficult to pick up.

-In particular weight gain and tiredness and feeling cold.

-Other symptoms may be constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle pain, depression, cholesterol issues.



Who gets it and what are the causes?

-More common in women over 50.

-Also more common those with issues such as Type 1 Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

-However, anyone can develop an underactive thyroid including babies (very rare) and children.

-Most commonly caused by immune disorder called ‘Hashimoto’s Disease’ where body turns off the thyroid and starts to shut the thyroid down.

-Other causes include some medication, previous thyroid treatment, iodine deficiency,



How do you diagnose and treat?

-Your GP will do a simple blood test on how your thyroid is working.

-Sometimes if the changes are very small so we just monitor.

-However, if it’s causing symptoms it’s treated with thyroid medication to replace the missing thyroid.

-Often need to take medication for life with periodic blood tests and medication may need dose changes.



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What is the thyroid and what does it do? 
-A small butterfly shaped gland at the front of your neck. 
-Produces ‘thyroid hormone’ which is very important in regulating the body. 
-Does a range of things from: keeping us warm, to regulating heart, brain, muscles, bowels. 
  
What happens when your thyroid slows down and becomes underactive? 
-We start to get a range of symptoms affecting all parts of the body, that are often very subtle and difficult to pick up. 
-In particular weight gain and tiredness and feeling cold. 
-Other symptoms may be constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle pain, depression, cholesterol issues. 
  
Who gets it and what are the causes? 
-More common in women over 50. 
-Also more common those with issues such as Type 1 Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. 
-However, anyone can develop an underactive thyroid including babies (very rare) and children. 
-Most commonly caused by immune disorder called ‘Hashimoto’s Disease’ where body turns off the thyroid and starts to shut the thyroid down. 
-Other causes include some medication, previous thyroid treatment, iodine deficiency, 
  
How do you diagnose and treat? 
-Your GP will do a simple blood test on how your thyroid is working. 
-Sometimes if the changes are very small so we just monitor. 
-However, if it’s causing symptoms it’s treated with thyroid medication to replace the missing thyroid. 
-Often need to take medication for life with periodic blood tests and medication may need dose changes. 
 
LISTEN ABOVE

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.

News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB. News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

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