Thyroid Problems in Men (Symptoms and Treatments)

Thyroid Problems in Men (Symptoms and Treatments) Thyroid gland is an essential part of the human body’s endocrine system. The gland is present below the Adam’s apple (thyroid cartilage) in the front part of our neck. Thyroid gland controls the body’s ability to convert food into energy as well as the rate of metabolism. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland also play a vital role in maintaining human body temperature, energy in the body, the use of vitamins and other hormones by the body. Thyroid hormones also play a role in the development and maturation of our body’s tissues. Thyroid problems in men can be really frustrating.

Thyroid Problems in Men
Thyroid problems in men are not as frequent as among women. The main thyroid issues in men include thyroid nodules, Goiters, Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism.

1. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid problem in which the activity of the thyroid gets considerably reduced. Thyroid gland can be thought of as the energy supplier in our human body. It supplies the vital thyroid hormones to the blood which takes it to the different body organs where these hormones are used to produce energy. This is the reason why an underactive thyroid gland results in our body getting slowed down and becoming underactive.

Symptoms:

• Difficulty in keeping concentration


• Increase in weight


• Pain in the muscles


• Getting fatigued easily


• Feeling chilly and cold


• Difficulty in emptying bowels i.e. Constipation


• Enlargement of the gland which is known as goiter


• Feeling depressed


• Skin becomes dry and nails become fragile


• Difficulty in keeping erection and a lack of interest in sex

Treatments:

The medical treatment that can reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism is to take a replacement of the thyroid hormone. The medicine for the condition is much like a supplement which ensures that the body’s supply of thyroid does not decrease. The amount of medicine required depends mainly on body weight which is why men need more medication than women.

2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is exactly the opposite of hypothyroidism. It is one of the thyroid problems in men in which the thyroid gland goes into overdrive, works too hard and produces quantity of Thyroxine">Thyroxine hormone more than what is required by the body. Other factors can also cause this hyperactivity like radiation and Graves’ disease.

Symptoms:

• Common symptomsof hyperthyroidism include tiredness, a reduction in weight, a feeling of restlessness, Excessive Sweating, and persistent changes in hunger. Other thyroid symptoms in men include an enlargement of the breast tissues causing the development breasts in some men as well as the swelling of the thyroid gland itself which causes a swelling near the Adam’s apple in the neck.


• Less common symptomsof hyperthyroidism include exhaustion, vomiting, Diarrhea, and loss of hair. In case the hyperactivity of thyroid gland is caused because of the Graves’ disease, symptoms can include an increase in the production of tears, irritation in eyes and in some cases the eyes can get swollen.


• An additional symptom can be an irregular but fast heartbeat. The breathing gets difficult and more effort is required to breathe even while resting.

Treatments:

• Beta blockers and anti-thyroid drugs are two different categories of medicine available for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Anti-thyroid drugs limit the production of thyroxine by blocking some of the operations of the thyroid gland. On the other hand, beta blockers address the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. They neutralize the increase in heart rate and body’s metabolism caused by the presence of excessive thyroxine in the human body.


• Another treatment option for hyperthyroidism is radiation. In this treatment method, the overactive thyroid cells are destroyed by iodine cells. There are no side effects because all the iodine radiations are picked up by the thyroid cells. 80% people with the problem get treated by just one dose of radiation which is the reason that it is the most common treatment option.


• Another treatment option is surgery which is fraught with risks. Apart from other surgery related risks, there is also the danger of too much thyroid gland getting removed, resulting in hypothyroidism.

3. Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are among the thyroid problems in men. They are aberrant growths of the thyroid gland which arise as lumps at the edges of the thyroid gland. Thyroid nodules can be apparent in front of the neck in individuals who are very slim and in the case when these lumps are very large.

Symptoms:

In most cases the thyroid nodule does not cause any symptom. The lump is found mostly by patients when they see it in the mirror or when they feel a lumpy mass in their throats. In some cases, the lump may also be found during a routine examination.

There are very rare cases in which patients feel pain in nodule. In even rarer cases patients find it difficult to swallow food because of a large nodule that is well positioned to obstruct the flow of food into the esophagus which is present beneath the trachea and thyroid.

Treatments:

In most cases thyroid nodules are not harmful, yet they should be examined by a physician to ensure that the problem is indeed harmless. Endocrine surgeons as well as the endocrinologists are the best to examine the nodules. Family physicians, general surgeons and general internists can also adeptly examine a nodule.

A physician is going to ask different critical question about your health to make sure there is no possibility of a serious thyroid problem. The physician might also ask questions to ensure you have not had exposure to radiations or received a radiation treatment during your childhood.

4. Goiter
Enlargement of thyroid in men is called goiter. The development of goiter can occur in anyone but there are types of goiters that develop only in certain people. Men tend to develop goiters less frequently than women, but its effects are the same on the bodies of both men and women. The only exception is that an underactive or overactive thyroid might affect the menstrual cycle of a woman too.

Symptoms:

Symptoms and signs are not consistent with all types of goiters. Symptoms that accompany goiter might include:

• Swelling at the neck’s base which becomes even more noticeable when you put on makeup or shave.


• Tightness in your throat


• Hoarseness


• Coughing


• Swallowing difficulties


• Breathing difficulties

Treatments:

The size of the goiter, the underlying cause and the symptoms will decide the appropriate treatment of goiter. If the goiter causes no problems, is small and does not affect the functioning of your thyroid then the doctor might ask you to wait and see what happens.

Your physician might prescribe corticosteroid medication or aspirin for treating the inflammation of your thyroid gland. You may require radioactive iodine and surgery for treating your condition if your goiter is associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Thyroidectomy Recovery Time

Thyroidectomy Recovery Time

Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure in which the thyroid glands are removed from the body; this procedure is performed in certain thyroid conditions, such as malignant Tumor growth, thyroid Cancer, Goiter or Hyperthyroidism. Some of the other causes which may require thyroidectomy for treatment include thyrotoxicosis, nodular or cyst growth over thyroid, benign tumors, swelling in thyroid. After the surgery, many people care about the thyroidectomy recovery time. Here are perfect timeline details for you.

What Is Thyroidectomy?
Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped structure which is situated at the lower base of neck. Major functions of thyroid gland are production of hormone to regulate metabolism and maintenance of growth.The surgical removal of a portion or whole thyroid gland is referred to as thyroidectomy. The procedure can be performed in two ways:

1. Partial Thyroidectomy
In this procedure, only partial portion of the gland is removed, the remaining thyroid is active and produces normal quantities of the hormone.

2. Complete Thyroidectomy
Complete thyroid gland is removed, which then leaves the body unable to produce thyroid hormones. In this condition, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is needed on daily basis to overcome the hormone deficiency.

Thyroidectomy Recovery Time
1. Hospital Time
The average duration required to perform this surgery ranges from one hour to six hours. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. So the question arises, how much hospitalization time is required in this procedure? Well, it depends on your surgery type—a partial or complete removal of the thyroid. One night stay is required for complete thyroid removalwhile in partial thyroid lobectomy, some hours of stay is enough.

2. Recovery Time
Thyroid recovery time varies significantly depending on several factors. Normal routine life activities can be resumed after a day of surgery; however, a person must wait at least 10 days to continue any strenuous work out such as high impact exercises.

Most of the time, the patient feel some soreness on the throat till several days of surgery, for relief, the physician may prescribe OTC painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Narcotics may also be prescribed in rare conditions if the pain does not go away from use of OTC painkillers.

What to Expect After the Procedure


Just after the surgery, the person regains normal body functioning and can continue daily life non-strenuous activities. You will have an incision at the frontal aspect of the neck, but it causes no trouble with talking and eating normally. In order to remove any blood and fluids draining out the incision, a drain with bulb will be attached to the incision.

In the initial week, the voice may become a little hoarse, and pain in the throat with soreness may be reported. The scar may remain on the neck (which is usually of 3-4 inches along the neck). The scar generally starts to fade away after one week or two. In addition, it is common to experience some fatigue after surgery due to anesthesia.

People's Experiencesof Recover Time for Thyroidectomy

Quick Recovery from Thyroidectomy!

"My thyroid glands were removed in July due to cancer in thyroid follicles. I heard that the thyroidectomy recovery time vary from person to person, but mine was very quick. I had two surgeries in the procedure, where I remember my throat was sore and painful in the first week but after that I recovered very fast."

Throat Infection After Partial Thyroidectomy—Longer Recovery Time

"My surgery was performed on August 5th during which doctors removed partial thyroid gland. My experience of thyroidectomy recovery after surgery was quite different from others. My surgery was great, but when I came home, there was some swelling around the incision area, which was then confirmed as throat infection. The medicine I was taking as a painkiller caused allergic reactions, so my recovery span was delayed to 22 days, which is quite longer than what I was expecting"

How to Help With Thyroidectomy Recovery
1. Care the Scar
A coating is applied after the surgery to protect the incision from any damage. This coating must not be scrapped off while taking shower or cleaning the body. It will peel off on its own after a week or some days.

Once the coating of the scar peels off, one can apply a scar gel or cocoa butter for preventing the incision of getting dried. However, in some cases, swelling with or without bruises may appear if the coating is damaged during the first week of recovery. Special care must be taken then as this swelling can indicate presence of some infection.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Consuming a healthy diet during the whole healing course plays a vital role in reducing the thyroidectomy recovery time. The body requires essential nutrients for healing purpose which can only be obtained through diet.

3. Quit Smoking
Smoking delays the healing of incision, a person must quit smoking in order to improve the circulation of blood towards the healing site.

4. Daily Routine Schedule
Following a healthy daily routine also helps with speeding up the recovery after the thyroidectomy. Get up in the morning, do light exercises then take meals on proper time. Such simple schedule can impact a positive change. Just have a try and keep it as a routine.

5. Support from Closed Ones
Social support from the friends and family provides a great help in keeping the spirit high. Their company will let you share thoughts and discuss problem with them. Some actual help is also essential, like driving or lifting some heavy stuff for you in your recovery.

6. Build Activities Gradually
As the thyroidectomy recovery time of every individual varies, it is recommended to not put a direct strain over the body by performing strenuous activities. You can start physical activities step by step. If you experience more fatigue than usual, just stop the activity and have a rest till you feel you can continue. For any pain felt, stop and seek for medical help rightly.

7. Tips to Remember During Thyroidectomy Recovery
Below are some considerations which must be followed for quick healing and recovery:

• Visit the clinic as soon as the coating or the tape is removed.


• A surgical check is done after 3 months of surgery.


• Calcium supplements are prescribed after surgery, which must be then progressively reduced after consulting with the physician.


• Thyroid function tests are done to check the level of Thyroxine; this should be advised by an endocrinologist.

Yet, you will need to discuss with the physician if following condition appears after surgery:

• Fever lasting for more than 24 hours


• Redness and swelling


• Tenderness at incision site


• Breathing problems

Vitamin D and Thyroid

Vitamin D and Thyroid

One of the most important vitamins for our body is vitamin D and more is continually learned about its functions. Nearly every cell and tissue has vitamin D receptors, making it vital to the health of the entire body. Vitamin D deficiency could lead to many illnesses such as Cancer, Heart Disease, and Hypothyroidism. Vitamin D and thyroid functions are closely intertwined.

What to Know About Vitamin D

Vitamin D isn’t actually a vitamin—it’s really a fat-soluble steroid hormone precursor. It’s primarily obtained from exposure of the skin to the sun, or from a few foods such as cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, and eggs. But we get vitamin D mainly from milk and orange juice, and other foods that are fortified with vitamin D.

2 different compounds make up vitamin D: ergocalciferol, which is vitamin D2 and is found mainly in plants, and cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, mainly found in animals. Both components together are simply referred to as vitamin D.

What’s the Function of Thyroid Gland?

The largest gland in the neck is the thyroid gland, and it is shaped somewhat like a butterfly. It is on the front side of the neck underneath the skin and muscle tissue. The left and right “butterfly wings” are the left and right thyroid lobes that wrap around the trachea. The only function of the thyroid is to produce the thyroid hormone, which takes on a number of different forms including T3 and T4, and is vital to all parts of the body. It increases cellular function and regulates the metabolism. The thyroid hormone is produced from iodine, and is controlled by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is released by the pituitary gland. The TSH is used as an indicator of thyroid function.

How Are Vitamin D and Thyroid Diseases Related?
In order to understand how vitamin D and thyroid work together, you must first have a basic grasp of how vitamin D works inside the body. Once ingested, vitamin D travels to the liver. There it’s converted to calcidiol, but calcidiol is only a prohormone. So it’s converted to calcitriol, which is the bioactive form of the vitamin. The conversion process takes place in the kidneys, or in the macrophages and monocytes of your immune system.

When the calcitriol has been released into your bloodstream, it binds to a plasma carrier protein. This protein is the taxi that carries vitamin D around your body to the various sites of action. Now, for vitamin D to act, it must bind to the vitamin D receptors that are found in nearly all of the body’s organs. The vitamin D found with these receptors is of great importance to the thyroid gland.

It is now known that people with Hypothyroidism also have low levels of vitamin D. This condition is thought to be caused by one of two following issues:

1. Poor absorption of vitamin D from the intestine,

2. Your body isn’t activating the vitamin properly.

How Much Vitamin D Should I Take to Treat Thyroid Disorders?
There is no standard formula for treating vitamin D deficiency in people with thyroid disorders. You should never self-treat, but should be under the close supervision of your physician, with regular monitoring and testing of vitamin D levels.

There is no firm consensus on the dosage of vitamin D used for treatment. Recommendations range widely from 10,000 IU all the way down to 2,000 IU. Part of this fluctuation depends on how serious your deficiency is, and that can vary during the span of treatment. The standard norm for healthy people is 20-50ng/mL of vitamin D. But when treating people with autoimmune thyroid disorders, a much higher value should be aimed at. This is because the higher levels of vitamin D are needed in order to stimulate the normal responses from polymorphic Vitamin D receptors in people with autoimmune disorders.

When it comes to vitamin D and thyroid disorders, basic recommendations begin with 6,000 IUs daily if your tested levels of vitamin D are below the normal values. If you’re closer to the lower end of the normal range, 4,000 IUs may be sufficient. To maintain good levels, a dose of 2,000 IUs daily should work. When taking the higher doses of vitamin D, watch your calcium levels. Hypercalcemia is a major indicator of vitamin D toxicity. Make certain that your calcium levels are kept below 110,000ng/mL at all times during treatment.

Clinical Treatment Suggestions

When I’m treating a patient for vitamin D and thyroid related deficiency, I very cautiously raise the serum level up, providing a range between 0.06-0.07ng/mL. When the symptoms get better at this level, I switch to maintain levels, watching carefully for signs of toxicity, which include nausea, vomiting, nervousness, weakness, excessive thirst and urination, poor appetite, and Kidney Stones.

Because calcium that’s elevated in the blood is an indicator of vitamin D toxicity, and a serious cardiovascular disease risk factor, I also monitor the serum calcium levels, making certain that they don’t go over 110,000-120,000 ng/mL.

I also see to it that my patients get the right amounts of vitamins A and K2. You can find vitamin A in whole milk, leafy green vegetables, eggs, orange and yellow vegetables, fruits, tomatoes, and some vegetable oils. Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods such as natto and kefir, but also in hard and soft cheeses, egg yolk, and butter from grass-fed cows. I sometimes use a K2 supplement for patients who can’t stomach fermented foods.

Lastly, let’s also look at the treatment experiences from some patients:

Essential Oils for Thyroid

Essential Oils for Thyroid

Essential oils are made from herbs that are extracted into a liquid form. These oils can be used in a diffuser at home or applied on our scalp and skin. Edible essential oils can also be added to teas. A variety of foods including Brazil nuts, coconut oil, avocados, wild fish and fresh produce are known to improve thyroid health. Recently, studies and researches also show that certain essential oils can help with thyroid health and treat thyroid symptoms due to the beneficial compounds. Read on find your wanted essential oils for improving thyroid health.

10 Best Essential Oils for Thyroid


1. Peppermint
How it helps: Peppermint oil helps calm Depression, Headaches, brain fog, fatigue and digestive problems that occur as a result of an underactive thyroid. This oil is tasty and easy to include in your daily diet.

How to apply: Just make a cup of hot water with lemon and add a drop of peppermint oil to make a nice cup of tea. You can also add a drop of peppermint oil to chamomile tea.

2. Frankincense


How it helps: Frankincense oil helps relieve Constipation, indigestion and dry skin that may be caused by an underactive thyroid. Also, frankincense can help with a sound sleep by reducing Stress or other intense feelings.

How to apply: Take a drop of food-grade frankincense oil orally to improve digestion and balance hormone levels, which works the same as digestive enzymes.

3.Lavender
How it helps: Lavender oil helps people with anxiety problems, stress, insomnia and hair loss related to thyroid problems.

How to apply: For good results, you can rub the oil in your pillow, add a few drops to your bath or combine it with shampoo to massage your scalp.

4. Lemongrass


How it helps: Lemongrass oil is one of the essential oils for thyroid. It helps with headaches, digestive problems and inflammation caused by an underactive thyroid.

How to apply: This oil can be used for cooking - add a drop in your herbal tea. You can also use it in your bath or apply it on your skin.

5. Grapefruit


How it helps: Grapefruit is an essential oil that improves metabolism, focus, stress levels and depression. Which are common symptoms of underactive thyroid.

How to apply: Combine it with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before applying it on your body. Or, you can also add a drop to warn water, drinking as tea.

6. Rosemary


How it helps: Rosemary oils can be used to relieve symptoms of underactive thyroid, including digestion problems, stress, hair loss, joint pain and inflammation.

How to apply: You can use the oil alone, or add it in an oil blend. You will see apparent hair regrowth if you rub it on your scale every day.

7. Endoflex


How it helps: Endoflex is a blend of essential oils for thyroid, which is constituted of spearmint, German chamomile, sage, sesame seed oil, myrtle and geranium.

How to apply: You can apply Endoflex without dilution to the thyroid area to help support and balance the function of thyroid, including both hyper and hypo thyroid function.

8. Copaiba


How it helps: Copaiba is an essential oil that helps treat inflammation associated with thyroid problems. With rich amount of caryophyllene, it strengthens the body's natural reaction to irritation and injuries.

How to apply: You can either rub it on sore tendons or take it in form of a capsule to relieve internal inflammation. Also, drinking water mixed with copaiba every morning improves your gut health.

9. Other Essential Oils

• Clove oil contains antioxidants and phenols. Phenols clean cell receptor sites, which in turn improve cell communication and the overall health of the body.


• Myrrh oil is one of the essential oils for thyroid that helps relieve stress and inflammation associated with an underactive thyroid. The oil has about 60% sesquiterpenes which help erase miswritten codes in the memory of a cell.


• Basil oil is an essential oil that not only supports the Adrenal Glands, but also helps relieve inflammation.


• Marjoram oil offers support to the Spleen, an organ that produces white blood cells helping to fight infections and produce antibodies. This oil, therefore, helps in the maintenance of healthy antibody levels.

10.Combine Several Essential Oils Also Helps
Combining several essential oils for thyroid helps treat symptoms of autoimmune disease and support thyroid function. There are several ways to combine these oils to get good results.

• Rub 2-4 drops of myrrh and lemongrass oil directly on thyroid area, big toes, and wrists several times each day.


• Similarly, you can use peppermint combined with citrus oils (like grapefruit or lemon oil) to fight fatigue.


• A bath containing clove, lemongrass, myrrh and geranium oils will help ease joint or muscle pain.


• You can also rub 5 parts of clove oil with3 parts of frankincense oil and 5 parts of lemon grass oil on the thyroid.


• Use 3 drops of frankincense mixed with 5 parts of clove oil and 5 parts of lemongrass oil in your bath or in a diffuser to relieve anxiety and boost your mood.

Here is video sharing how the essential oils help with the thyroid conditions:

How Can I Use Essential Oils to Support Thyroid?
1. Topical Usage
Essential oils for thyroid can be applied topically since they are easily absorbed by the skin, which can make you enjoy the effect immediately on the applied area. With calming and restorative properties, essential oils of topical usage are commonly seen in beauty care therapy and massage.

Essential oils can either be applied alone or diluted with a carrier oil. As natural disinfectants and antimicrobial properties, essential oils can be absorbed through the skin to blood stream when using topically. When applied to the thyroid areas at the bottom of our feet, essential oils can be quickly absorbed and spread throughout the body due to the largest pores of our body.

2.Diffused Usage
When essential oils are used in a diffuser, they give immediate gratification. The freshness that spouts from the diffuser can be invigorating and usually helps improve your moods. You can experiment with various blends of essential oils to figure out which one works best for you.It is recommended that you use low or no heat diffusers since they do not interfere with the chemical structure of the oils.

Thyroid Storm Treatment

Thyroid Storm Treatment

You may have to experience several health problems if your thyroid gland is not fully functional. Most of these issues are not serious though, except for a few that require immediate medical attention such as thyroid storm. Your doctor will ask for certain tests but the thyroid storm treatment usually starts even before the test reports arrive.

What Is Thyroid Storm?
Thyroid storm is a medical emergency and may produce life-threatening consequences. It is associated with undertreated or untreated Hyperthyroidism. When this condition develops, your Blood Pressure, heart rate, and body temperature may go up to dangerous levels. Thyroid storm is often fatal unless you receive thyroid storm treatment immediately.

Why Does It Happen?
While thyroid storm is a rare condition, it can still affect you, especially when you have hyperthyroidism. You need to treat hyperthyroidism carefully or else you will end up developing thyroid storm, a condition characterized by the extreme overproduction of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Keep in mind that it is not necessary for everyone with hyperthyroidism to eventually develop thyroid storm, but the risk is always there.

The most common causes of thyroid storm are untreated overactive thyroid gland, undertreated hyperthyroidism, and infection associated with thyroid gland. Someone with hyperthyroidism may develop thyroid storm after surgery, trauma, Stroke, severe emotional diStress, Pulmonary Embolism, Diabetic Ketoacidosis, and Congestive Heart Failure.

Symptoms of Thyroid Storm
You should receive thyroid storm treatment when you experience specific symptoms associated with this condition. The most common symptoms are the same as hyperthyroidism, but the symptoms are usually severe, sudden, and extreme. You may experience confusion, restlessness, unconsciousness, Diarrhea, agitation, persistent sweating, high fever, and racing heart rate (over 140 BPM).

Ways to Manage Thyroid Storm
You require treatment immediately after experiencing the symptoms of thyroid storm. It also requires hospitalization. Thyroid storm treatment usually includes life support measures to provide support to your vital organs and help them function properly. At the same time, it is important to lower the levels of thyroid hormone in the body. Your doctor will also perform other tests to identify any underlying conditions that may have caused thyroid storm.

1. Supportive Care
During supportive care, you will receive treatment for the following problems:

• Fever: Your doctor will take cooling measures and rely on antipyretics for relief. Acetaminophen is most commonly used to treat fever in thyroid storm.


• Agitation: Your doctor will prescribe benzodiazepines to help treat agitation. It is the most preferred method of management.


• Vascular instability: The most common treatment choice involves giving IV fluids to the patient. In most cases, you will receive IV fluids immediately after you are admitted to the hospital, unless you're a patient with high-output heart failure. Your doctor may also use vasoactive drugs in case hemodynamic instability continues after giving IV fluids.

2. Lowering the Levels of Thyroid Hormone
It is important to take steps to decrease the levels of circulating thyroid hormone in the body. It is equally important to decrease their formation to keep things under control. Methimazole and PTU are two agents used to reduce thyroid hormone synthesis – these agents are usually prescribed in high doses to create an effect. Your doctor will also prescribe potassium iodide, sodium iodide, or Lugol's solution to help decrease the production of thyroid hormone. Beta-blockers are also used sometimes to help control the heart rate, whereas intravenous steroids are given to support the circulation.

3. Radioactive Iodine
If you already have hyperthyroidism, you may already be receiving a treatment involving radioactive iodine that may destroy the thyroid. You may also have to take drugs to suppress the function of thyroid gland temporarily. Radioactive iodine is not a safe thyroid storm treatment option for pregnancy women with hyperthyroidism because it may be harmful for the unborn child. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is the only treatment option in this case.

4. Avoid Iodine
While receiving medical treatment for hyperthyroidism, it is important to stop taking iodine in food or it may lead to several complications. In case your thyroid hormone is destroyed or removed, it is important to take synthetic thyroid hormone for as long as you live.

What to Expect in and After Thyroidectomy Procedure

What to Expect in and After Thyroidectomy Procedure

A thyroidectomy procedure is a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion or all of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of your neck and produces T3 and T4, the hormones that control cellular metabolism. Doctors do a thyroidectomy because the thyroid is overactive (a condition called Hyperthyroidism), is enlarged (a condition called Goiter) or has Cancer within the thyroid tissue.

What to Expect in the Thyroidectomy Procedure
The total length of the procedure is four hours—less if itinvolves removing only a portion of the gland. Here are the steps you may experience during the procedure.

1. Shrink the Thyroid
If you are a person with hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, the doctor may first shrink the thyroid using radioactive iodine. This makes the procedure easier to do and lessens the chance of bleeding during the procedure.

2. General Anesthesia
The thyroid gland removal can involve total or partial removal of the thyroid gland. In the vast majority of cases, the procedure is done under general anesthesia so you will not be aware of what goes on in the surgery. As with any surgery involving general anesthesia, you must not eat or drink anything from the night prior to the thyroidectomy procedure until the surgery has begun. Your surgeon will give you the exact instruction.

3. Removal of the Gland
The surgery is done by prepping the neck to make a two to four inch incision in the front of your neck where the thyroid gland is located. The surgeon will then remove the thyroid gland or part of the gland, taking care to leave the parathyroid glands intact, which are imbedded in the thyroid tissue.

4. Nerve Preservation
Nerves are retained when possible and only small arteries and veins are destroyed in order to lift out the thyroid gland. Nerve preservation is important because some nerves also control the function of the voice box.

5. Draining Fluids and Blood
After the thyroid gland parts are removed, the surgeon will place a drain in your neck for a couple of days in order to drain fluids and blood from the surgical site. This prevents swelling of the neck. The drain is placed around sutures that close the rest of the skin cut at the outset of the surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications of the Thyroidectomy Procedure
Since the thyroidectomy is considered a major surgery, it has the risks of all surgeries, including problems with general anesthesia, bleeding complications and local or systemic infection. Other complications unique to a thyroidectomy can include the following.

1. Voice Change
If the surgeon cuts the wrong nerve, he could injure a common laryngeal nerve that supplies the voice box. This can damage the voice box so that you will have failure of the vocal cords to function and the voice will be hoarse. Sometimes, the nerve can be spared but voice changes happen anyway. Fortunately, your voice resolves itself in about 3-6 months. If the voice has not returned after the end of that time, speech therapists can help you regain your voice. There are special procedures done by an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist that can also help restore your voice. There is about a one percent chance that voice changes will be permanent.

2. Damage to the Parathyroid Glands
There are four parathyroid glands imbedded in the back of the thyroid gland and the surgeon can inadvertently remove these glands when removing the thyroid gland. If even one of these glands is accidentally removed, there is a risk of hypoparathyroidism or a low parathyroid condition. Since the parathyroid glands regulate calcium metabolism, a condition of low calcium in the bloodstream can occur. About one percent of all patients undergoing a thyroidectomy procedure will have permanently low calcium levels.

3. Temporary Hypocalcemia
The calcium level can be temporarily reduced in about one third of all patients undergoing a thyroidectomy. When this happens, you can experience tingling and numbness around the lips and at the tips of your fingers. When calcium is supplemented, the symptoms usually go away and the calcium level remains normal.

Note
After surgery, you should contact your doctor with any of these side effects or complications of a thyroidectomy:

• Bleeding at the site of the incision


• Localized swelling at the site of the surgery


• Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher


• A sensation of warmth or redness in the neck


• Tingling of the lips, hands or feet


• A numb sensation in the lips, hands or face

Most of these complications are correctable if you call the doctor and get treatment for the surgical complication.

Recovery After the Thyroidectomy Procedure
There are things you can do to aid in your recovery from a thyroidectomy.

1. Take Care of Your Incision Area
After surgery has taken place, the incision will have to be taken care of. This may mean gently cleaning the wound daily and reapplying a gauze dressing. You may have restrictions on swimming, bathing or showering until the wound has healed. Follow your doctor’s instructions as how to take care of your incision site.

2. Avoid Heavy Lifting
It takes a couple of weeks for the wound to heal enough so that you can lift heavy objects. If your work entails lifting, you may need to be off work in order to decrease the Stress on your neck incision. If your job does not include heavy lifting, talk to your doctor about what work restrictions you might have.

3. Do Gentle Neck and Shoulder Exercises
Following surgery, the neck area is likely to be swollen, numb and firm to the touch. It takes about a week before you can comfortably turn your neck without pain. Make use of a physical therapist, who will likely recommend that you undertake some gentle exercises to improve the range of motion of your neck. These exercises will help prevent prolonged neck stiffness. If the neck is still stiff after following the physical therapist’s instructions, talk to your doctor to see if anything else can be done.

4. Eat Soft Foods
During the time that your neck is still sore and stiffened, it is a good idea to eat soft foods that are not so painful to swallow. Chew your food carefully and eat at a slow pace. Drink water between bites so that you can avoid any type of blockage of the throat that can occur. Some people use a blender in the first few days after surgery in order to make solid foods pass through the throat more easily.

5. Check on Hormone Levels
When you have all or part of your thyroid gland removed, you are unlikely to have enough thyroid hormone in your body. This can cause problems with weight gain, slow metabolism, Depression, dry skin, hair loss, cold feelings, muscle cramps, Constipation, menstrual irregularities and decreased libido. There are blood tests that can tell what your hormone levels are like that can help the doctor decide what amount of thyroid replacement therapy you will need.

6. Take Thyroid Drugs
You may have to take thyroid replacement therapy for the rest of your life after thyroidectomy procedure. This involves taking small pills once a day that contain the missing hormones your body no longer makes.

Thyroid During Pregnancy

Thyroid During Pregnancy

Located in the front of your neck, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland, which is usually no longer than 2 inches with an overall weight of 1 ounce. Its main function is to regulate metabolism and determine how your body uses energy. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can affect every organ in the body. Just like other hormonal changes taking place during pregnancy, you may also notice a change in thyroid during pregnancy. How does it affect your body and what can you do to keep things under control? Let's find out now.

Normal Thyroid Changes During Pregnancy
The fetus relies heavily on the mother's supply of thyroid hormone during the first trimester, and baby's thyroid only becomes active at around 12 weeks. Here are 2 main changes of the thyroid during pregnancy:

• Thyroid hormone levels normally go up during pregnancy due to two main hormones – estrogen and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). And the placenta makes hCG that stimulates your thyroid gland to increase the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. At the same time, increased estrogen in pregnancy produces higher levels of a protein called thyroid-binding globulin that transports thyroid hormone in the blood.


• What's more, it is important to note that the thyroid gland may normally enlarge a bit during pregnancy, but it is usually not large enough to be noticed during a physical exam. You may have a thyroid disease if you have a noticeably enlarged gland.

Without normal levels of thyroid hormone, normal development of the baby's nervous system and brain is not possible. Although due to the abovementioned normal changes, it is sometimes difficult to tell whether the thyroid during pregnancy is functioning normally, symptoms like increased gland size or fatigue and certain tests may still help get to a conclusion.

Hyperthyroidism During Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism means your body is producing way too much of thyroid hormone and this will lead to several problems.

1. Symptoms
Enlarged Thyroid, increased levels of thyroid hormone in bloodstream, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, heat tolerance and increased heart rate are some typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism. You may also notice changes in appetite, poor eyesight, increased perspiration, abdominal discomfort or increase in blood sugar levels.

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism in pregnancy can lead to several complications. The most common problems are congestive heart failure, Miscarriage, low birth weight, premature birth and severe elevation in Blood Pressure, especially during the last month of pregnancy.

2. Treatment
Thyroid hormone tends to be higher during pregnancy, so mild overactive thyroid during pregnancy may not need any treatment. If treatment is needed, here are the options:

• Anti-thyroid medications

Anti-thyroid medications are most commonly used and are effective for a little bit more severe cases. These medications interfere with thyroid hormone production and can pass through the placenta in small amounts. So, it can reduce thyroid hormone production in fetus.

In the United States, doctors usually prescribe methimazole for most types of hyperthyroidism, but it should be avoided during the first trimester and doctors usually start with the lowest possible dose to avoid harming the baby. And propylthiouracil (PTU), another anti-thyroid medication, is usually a better choice during first trimester.

Anti-thyroid medications can be stopped in the last 4-8 weeks of pregnancy if the thyroid hormone level returns to normal but continuous monitor for recurrence or other thyroid problems after delivery is needed. Side effects may include allergic reactions like itching and rashes, decreased white blood cell, vulnerable to infections and even liver failure may happen.

• Other options

In rare cases, you may have to undergo surgery that involves removing all or part of the gland. But never use radioactive iodine to treat hyperthyroidism during pregnancy because it will damage your baby's thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism actually means that your body is producing way too less thyroid hormone and this can lead to several complications.

1. Symptoms
Hypothyroidism is quite common but usually goes undetected due to its mild symptoms which often make it look like Depression. The common symptoms include tightening of skin, slow pulse, extreme fatigue, puffy and swollen face, weight gain, cold intolerance, abdominal discomfort, cramps and lack of concentration.

When left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause several complications, including stillbirth, low birth weight, miscarriage and anemia. Uncontrolled hypothyroidism may prove quite harmful for your baby's brain and nervous system.

2. Treatment
Since hypothyroidism can be really harmful to you and your baby, you have to take various measures to clear it up.

• Take Thyroxine

The best treatment option to treat inactive thyroid during pregnancy is to take synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine, which is quite similar to the T4 made by the thyroid gland. If you have been taking thyroxine before pregnancy, you will have to increase your dose during pregnancy. It is important to monitor thyroid function and you have to go for a checkup every 6-8 weeks during your pregnancy.

• Eat well-balanced diet

Paying attention to your diet is never more important than it is during pregnancy, especially when you have hypothyroidism. You need to work with your dietician to stick to a balanced-diet to get enough prenatal mineral and multivitamin and maintain better thyroid health.

Try eat low-fat and unsweetened foods. For example, you should eat more vegetables like carrots, pumpkin, kale and tomato, fruits like cantaloupe, mango, banana, apricot and orange, and dairy like low-fat yogurt or milk, etc.

• Increase iodine intake

You can take dietary supplements to increase your intake of iodine, which is required by the thyroid to make thyroid hormone and by the normal development of your baby. Therefore, you need to take at least 250 micrograms of iodine a day. Similarly, choosing iodized salt will also help meet your requirements of iodine during pregnancy. Do not increase your iodine intake without consulting your doctor, especially if you have autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer occurs when cancerous cells form masses in the tissue of the thyroid, which is located at the base of the throat. The thyroid is an important gland that consists of two lobes on both left and right sides. Thyroid cancer has four major strains which are determined by the formation of the masses and how the cells look when observed through a microscope. These strains are papillary, follicular, medullary and anaplastic. Each strain brings with it its own type of treatment and its own prognosis. In this article, medullary thyroid cancer will be discussed in detail.

What Is Medullary Thyroid Cancer?


As one type of thyroid cancers, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is caused by a relatively rare strain, which accounts for only about three to ten per cent of all varieties of thyroid cancer known to medical science. While other strains of cancer found in the thyroid come from follicular cells, MTC consists of neuroendocrine cells, which means that the cells function as if they were part of the nervous system. The cancerous cells found in MTC are secreted by the thyroid itself, as they are mutations of specialized cells known as parafollicular cells. Parafollicular cells, also known as C-cells, are special cells which secrete a hormone called calcitonin that is used by the body to regulate bone growth and blood calcium content. Because of their specialization, these cells share commonalities with both nervous system cells and endocrine cells, which make it very distinct from other cancers of the thyroid.

Medullary thyroid cancer is often carried over from parents to offspring, which means that a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome or medullary thyroid cancer is a significant risk factor for getting the disease. Generally, hereditary problems comprise up to 20% of all occurrences of MTC, thus screening for faMilial inheritance is a necessity. In particular, screening for MEN syndrome caused by problems with the RET (rearranged during trasfection) proto-oncogene is crucial. Two strains of MEN syndrome are commonly associated with a high risk of medullary thyroid cancer:

• MEN 2A which can cause MTC, hyperparathyroidism and pheochromocytoma


• MEN 2B which can cause MTC, pheochromocytoma and multiple ganglioneuromas

What Are the Symptoms of Medullary Thyroid Cancer?
Problematically, many instances of medullary thyroid cancer are asymptomatic, meaning that the sufferer may not know that anything is wrong. The most common signs are nodules in their throat, which can often be very large and visible or felt under the skin. These nodules can also cause significant difficulty when swallowing or even obstructed breathing when the patient is lying on their back. If the cancer spreads into structures surrounding the thyroid, the patient may begin to notice enlarged lymph nodes, a shortness of breath and hoarseness in their voice. These are all very serious symptoms that, if noticed, should be examined by a doctor immediately.

How to Diagnose Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Diagnosing medullary thyroid cancer correctly is crucial to ensuring that the patient gets the correct treatment, and an incorrect diagnosis can lead to further complications. Doctors can make use of a variety of different tests in order to ensure that they make a swift, correct diagnosis.

Test	Description
Calcitonin	Testing the blood for improper levels of calcitonin is a common way of checking the proper function of the thyroid. The differing levels of calcitonin can act as a good marker for the amount of cancer present as well as being used to screen a person for medullary thyroid cancer.
CEA (Caricinoembryonic antigen)	CEA is a substance that is secreted by cancerous MTC cells in advanced cases. This can be detected in the blood stream, and can be used as an indicator of recurrence of the cancer as well as a benchmark for the severity of the cancer present in the patient.
Ultrasound	Ultrasound can be used to create an image of the thyroid and the lymph nodes in order to locate and map the swellings or masses found. While this technology is not advanced enough to differentiate between benign and malignant Tumors, it is useful at checking for any signs of tumors spreading as well as generally observing the state of the neck.
FNA (Fine needle aspiration)	FNA biopsy is perhaps the most accurate test when it comes to determining the nature of thyroid masses and nodules. By extracting cells from the mass and examining them under a microscope, medical professionals can draw up an incredibly accurate diagnosis, with an accuracy of between 95 and 98% correct. FNA biopsies are often performed in conjunction with ultrasounds in order to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
MRI, CT or PETCT Scans	Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and positron emission tomography are some of the most advanced imaging tests in modern medicine, and all of them can be useful in diagnosing medullary thyroid cancer. By compositing an image of the thyroid and surrounding structures, they can give medical professionals a clear idea of the movement and spread of cancers.
Genetic Testing	If a patient is connected with a genetic occurrence of RET proto-oncogene mutation, he or she should undergo genetic examinations in order to catalogue the nature of the mutations. This should be performed on all family members, as it is useful in testing and treatment of potential future cases within the family, as well as any follow-up treatment that is required.

How to Treat Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Medullary thyroid cancer, like many other cancers, is treatable through a chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatments. Each of these have their own limitations and strengths.

1. Surgery
Should the cancer be detected early enough, surgery can be useful in treating it. The surgery consists of removing the cancerous masses from the thyroid, and potentially removing the lymph nodes as well to try and prevent the cancer’s spread. The lymph nodes are removed due to the fact that, in the majority of cases, patients have already contracted lymph node disease and so even if the mass on the thyroid is removed, the cancer will persist. Because of this, the lymph nodes need to be mapped beforehand in order to determine whether or not the lymph nodes need removing. In many cases, a thyroidectomy is required, meaning that the thyroid must be removed entirely.

2. Radiation
Radiation therapy is common in the treatment of medullary thyroid cancer, particularly in cases in which there is a higher risk of the cancer returning. If the cancer has made its way into the structures surrounding the thyroid, it is often necessary to irradiate the throat in order to vanquish any remaining cancerous cells, thereby avoiding the recurrence or the need for further surgery. Radiation therapy is typically used after surgery is completed in order to ensure maximum effectiveness.

3. Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Protein kinase inhibitors are used to block any abnormal kinase proteins from developing into further cancerous cells. These damaged or mutated proteins are responsible for the recurrence of medullary thyroid cancer in many cases, and the blocking of them using chemotherapy is often required in order to ensure that the cancer does not return. As with most chemotherapy treatment, these inhibitors have some side effects which can range from nausea and Diarrhea to more serious problems such as cardiac abnormalities, Hypertension and even episodes of bleeding.

How to Control Thyroid

How to Control Thyroid

Thyroid is a gland with the shape of a butterfly and is located on the front of the neck and below the Adam's apple along the front of the wind pipe. Rich with blood vessels, it is brownish-red in color. Important nerves that control voice quality pass through the thyroid. Hormones secreted by the thyroid are called thyroid hormones with thyroxin or T4 as the main hormone. The thyroid hormones act throughout the body and influence metabolism, growth, development and body temperature.

How to Control Thyroid for Better Health
It is essential to have a healthy thyroid. Certain lifestyle changes and medications can help you control your thyroid.

1. Eat Right
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants like bell pepper, tomatoes, cherries, berries, plums, oranges, grapes, artichoke, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. But if you have certain kind of thyroid disorder, you should be more careful because some foods may be bad for you. For example, broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc. is harmful if you have hyperthyroid.

2. Say No to Refined Foods
Refined foods like pasta, bakery products like white bread, cakes and cookies, etc. are unhealthy and bad for your thyroid and hence should be avoided. Junk food like pizzas, pasta, chips, etc. should also be avoided. Avoid processed and prepackaged foods. Fresh homemade meals prepared with fresh ingredients are preferred.

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol hinders a healthy thyroid. If you are detected with Hyperthyroidism, consult your doctor and find out about the effects of caffeine based beverages like tea, coffee, aerated drinks and whether it is okay to drink alcohol or increase your caffeine intake.

4. Have Iodine Rich Diet
If you want to know how to control thyroid, iodine is needed. It helps you fight thyroid problems. It is mostly found in table salt (supplemented with iodine) and foods grown in the soil which has iodine contents in it like onions, mushrooms and garlic. Meat from grass fed animals also contains iodine. Too much of iodine can cause Hypothyroidism and too little can cause a swelling in the thyroid, so take iodine supplements only if it is recommended by your doctor.

5. Eat Selenium Rich Food
Selenium regulates thyroid hormone production. Selenium rich food should be included in your diet for your thyroid to bounce back to good health. Relatively high selenium can be found in eggs, seafood like tuna, shrimp, oyster, octopus, squid, salmon, poultry like chicken liver and turkey, pork, bacon, lamb, beef, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, etc.

6. Increase Vitamin A Intake
Vitamin A rich foods should be eaten to regulate thyroid metabolism. It can be found in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, dark green leafy green, romaine lettuce, dried apricots, etc. Vitamin A supplements can also be taken. Generally a dosage of 25,000 IU per day may be recommended by yourhealthcare provider.

7. Exercise Regularly
Intense aerobic exercises are known to help circulate thyroid hormones. By doing aerobic exercises your targeted heart rate rises for about 30 minutes. Jogging, running, dancing, and cycling can also be incorporated to increase your heart rate. Your workout should be for at least 30 minutes a day and for at least 5 times a week.

How to Control Thyroid Disorders
There are 2 types of thyroid problem. When you thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, Hypothyroidism happens. When excessive thyroid hormones are produced, hyperthyroidism happens. Now let's take a look and find ways to solve them.

1. Treat Hypothyroidism
When you do not have enough thyroid hormones, meaning hypothyroidism, you should use levoThyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone, and some other drugs to manage your situation.

Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine helps normalize your thyroid hormones. It is an inexpensive, daily and generally life-long synthetic thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism. A couple of weeks after starting the treatment, you will feel less exhausted. Your elevated cholesterol level will gradually begin to reduce and your weight gain may start reversing.

• Dosage: How to control thyroid with the right dosage depends on your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels. Initially, you will need a checkup every 2 to 3 months but the period between checkups increases gradually. Excessive dosage can cause insomnia, shakiness, heart palpitation and increased appetite. In case coronary artery disease or severe hypothyroidism is detected, your doctor may start with a lower dose of the medication and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time. This way, your heart is able to adjust to the increased metabolism.


• Note: It almost has no side effects if used in the appropriate dosage. You should take the exact amount instructed by your doctor. Certain foods, supplements or medications may make it difficult to absorb levothyroxine. Your doctor can guide you on this.

Other Medication

Natural thyroid hormones are extracted from the thyroid glands of pigs which contain thyroxine as well as triiodothyronine which is essential for your body. These can be taken only if they are prescribed by the doctor. Be careful that the purity and potency of these products are not guaranteed and approved by FDA.

2. Treat Hyperthyroidism
Treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on many factors like age, physical condition, underlying cause, your own preference and severity of your problem. Here are some of the options:

• Radioactive Iodine is taken orally. When absorbed by the thyroid gland, it shrinks the gland and slows its activity, making the thyroid gland underactive. The symptoms generally reduce within 3-6 months.


• Anti-thyroid medications, like propylthiouracil and methimazole, help reduce hyperthyroidism by preventing excess hormone production. Improvement is generally seen within 6-12 weeks and treatment lasts for about a year or more. However these drugs may cause skin rash, fever, HIVes, joint pain or serious liver damage and, sometimes, they can even lead to death too.


• Beta blockers are prescribed to actually help reduce rapid heart rate and prevent palpitations which occur because of thyroid dysfunction. Headache, fatigue, Constipation, Diarrhea, dizziness and an upset stomach may be a few of the side effects of these drugs. Learn the correct dosage to take to know how to control thyroid hormone overproduction.


• Surgery is advised only if you can't tolerate anti-thyroid drugs, you are pregnant or you can't have radioactive iodine. This surgery is called thyroidectomy and most of your thyroid gland is removed by your surgeon. Its risks may include damaging your vocal cords or parathyroid glands.