Thyroid Problems

Introduction:

Thyroid problems have been known to mankind for hundreds of years as goiters (enlargement of the thyroid gland). They were common in regions where the iodine is low in the diet, in water and soil. The iodine deficiency results in a deficit of thyroid hormone production, as without enough iodine the body cannot make effective thyroid hormones (T3 or T4 thyroid hormones).

Each molecule of these hormones needs 3 or 4 atoms of iodine and if this is not available in the food or diet, a goiter and hypothyroidism will develop.

On the other hand, the thyroid gland might produce thyroid nodules, which produce much more thyroid hormone than the rest of the thyroid gland leading to thyrotoxicosis, a thyrotoxic condition called hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones stimulate the metabolism of all of the body cells making them produce more protein and the T3 thyroid hormone also increases oxygen consumption in the liver, the muscles, heart and kidneys. Several disease states of the thyroid gland are outlined under the link below (click on "thyroid disease", which brings you back to the table regarding thyroid problems).

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Hormones

Thyroid Disease

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

1. B. Sears: "The age-free zone". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 2000.

2. R.A. Vogel: Clin Cardiol 20(1997): 426-432.

3. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 8: Thyroid disorders.

4. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 7:Pituitary disorders.

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8. The Merck Manual, 7th edition, by M. H. Beers et al., Whitehouse Station, N.J., 1999. Chapter 261: Congenital anomalies.

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12. B. Sears: "Zone perfect meals in minutes". Regan Books, Harper Collins, 1997.

13. J Bain: Can Fam Physician 2001 Jan;47:91-97.

Last Modified: Jan.29, 2008