Exploring New Horizons in Alternative, Holistic, and

Complementary Treatments for Thyroid Disease

Being diagnosed and treated for a thyroid disorder can be a time-consuming, frustrating process. However, once a proper diagnosis has been made, most common thyroid disorders respond very well to conventional medical treatment. As long as you make a commitment to consistently taking your prescription medication as directed, most thyroid patients find that many, if not all, of their thyroid symptoms can be well-controlled.

Still, as holistic health care professionals remind us, the absence of disease is only one aspect of overall health and well-being. From the point of view of many conventionally-trained Western doctors, a lack of symptoms means that you are okay -- case closed. But patients who have lived through the experience of coming to terms with a chronic health condition know that the road to regaining one's health and vitality is often much rockier than that. In fact, it may be an uphill battle that you will be fighting long after your symptoms have been controlled with medication.

If you're a thyroid patient who is stuck somewhere in the middle of this process, you should know that there are a wide range of alternative treatments out there that may help boost your overall sense of health and well-being. While it's vitally important that you adhere closely to the regimen of prescription medication your doctor has established for you, you may find that looking for other options to supplement your ongoing medical treatment can help you regain a sense of wellness. This week, we'll take a look at some of the most beneficial alternative, holistic, and complementary treatments for thyroid patients.

Massage Therapy

• For many patients who are struggling to regain a sense of control over their bodies after being diagnosed with a chronic illness such as thyroid disease, massage therapy and related forms of 'body work' can be enormously helpful. Most people assume that massages are simply a form of deep relaxation, and while this is true, a skilled practitioner can do much more than eliminate stress and work out kinks and cricks. Massage therapists trained in the healing arts have access to a repertoire of techniques that can help boost the body's natural healing abilities. Make sure you tell your therapist about your thyroid condition before your first session so they can plan a treatment sequence based on your unique profile.

Yoga

• The popularity of yoga in the United States has grown in leaps and bounds over the course of the last decade, so even if you live in a remote area, there is likely to be a studio in fairly close proximity. Everyone's experience will differ, but many thyroid patients like the sense of balance and serenity that yoga helps them attain. If you're shy, you can always rent or buy a DVD for use in the privacy of your own home.

Acupuncture

• Once regarded as a fringe holistic practice, acupuncture is now quickly gaining mainstream acceptance. Several recent studies have confirmed acupuncture's effectiveness for pain management and stress relief, as well as a host of other health benefits. The research seems to indicate that acupuncture is particularly effective for people with chronic health conditions. Make sure your therapist is licensed and has a proven track record of satisfied customers.

Aromatherapy

• If the thought of consulting with a holistic health professional still feels a bit too overwhelming, it may be a good idea to ease your way into the world of alternative and complementary care with a treatment you can do yourself. With nothing more than a few carefully-selected essential oils, you can tap into the millennia-old practice of aromatherapy. This practice is designed to call upon the powerful sense of smell to rejuvenate and enhance your sense of well-being. Try adding a few drops of chamomile, cedarwood, or patchouli oil to your next warm bath for a relaxing experience.

If you're interested in exploring the world of holistic, complementary, and alternative treatment, do some research on your own before you take the plunge. If your doctor is supportive, ask him or her for referrals to credible practitioners in your area. Check back each week for more thyroid health news and information.

For Further Reading about Thyroid

• http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/graves_disease/72032

• http://www.ehow.com/how_2033041_use-holistic-medicine.html

Tracing the Thyroid's Role in Breast Health

Those who suffer from some form of thyroid disease or disorder are already well aware of the fact that this small butterfly-shaped gland in the throat can exert an astonishingly broad impact on one's overall health and well-being. In recent years, researchers have made a number of surprising discoveries linking the thyroid's status to the ability of other organs and body parts to function properly.

One unlikely connection is the recently discovered link between the thyroid gland and the development and health of breast tissue in females. According to researchers who have worked to uncover the role of the thyroid gland in breast health and development, these two seemingly unrelated parts of the body are actually closely intertwined.

As we enter the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness month, strategies for maintaining optimal breast health are at the forefront of many women's minds. This week, we'll consider the ways in which thyroid health and breast health are interrelated.

The Thyroid Gland and Breast Development

As part of the body's endocrine system, which regulates and distributes hormones, the thyroid plays a major role in the processes of growth and development that mark the passage from childhood to adolescence, and finally, to adulthood. In women, a major hallmark of this transition is the development of breast tissue. Researchers have recently highlighted a number of key ways in which the thyroid helps to control breast development in recent studies.

At the current time, it is believed that the most significant of these links is the production and distribution of the hormone prolactin, which spurs the development of breast tissue. The hormones released by the thyroid gland interact with prolactin in a unique way. In girls whose thyroid gland does not function properly, normal breast development is often impeded. In fully-developed women of childbearing age, prolactin fluctuations caused by thyroid disorders can cause other problems, such as breastfeeding difficulties.

The Thyroid-Breast Cancer Link

Over the course of the last several decades, conflicting reports of a possible connection between the thyroid gland and breast cancer have emerged from the scientific community. At one point, it was widely believed that some forms of thyroid disease treatment may put women at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy and radioactive iodine therapy were both once implicated as possible culprits for heightened breast cancer risk.

However, more recent research has seemed to invalidate this hypothesized link. Several large randomized studies of women's health data found no compelling statistical link between common thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and breast cancer. On the other hand, what recent studies have uncovered is a heretofore unknown connection between thyroid cancer and breast cancer. Some researchers have conjectured that some unknown hormonal connection may be the missing link that explains this risk association. Women with family histories of either thyroid cancer or breast cancer are urged to be especially vigilant for signs and symptoms of both diseases, and to frequently perform breast exams to help aid in early detection of breast cancer.

Thyroid Health and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has become an increasingly popular choice for many women in recent years, as the unparalleled health benefits of breast milk have begun to be more widely emphasized by the public health community. However, for some women with histories of thyroid disorders and diseases, this natural process can be fraught with difficulties and frustrations.

Because of the sensitivity and delicacy of the interaction between thyroid hormones and the hormonal compound prolactin, even a slight thyroid imbalance can interfere with the normal development and maintenance of new mother's breast milk supply.

The hormone fluctuations of pregnancy and childbirth can often exacerbate mild, even previously undiagnosed cases of hypothyroidism. Some women who have never experienced thyroid disease before pregnancy may find their efforts at breastfeeding thwarted by deficiencies in the thyroid hormone supply.

In addition, because of the harsh nature of several common treatments for thyroid disease, it is important to consult with your doctor whether these agents could be passed on to a nursing infant via the breast milk. Women who are undergoing radioactive iodine treatment, for example, cannot breastfeed safely. On the other hand, thyroid hormone replacement therapy is often safe for breastfeeding mothers, although it should be closely monitored by a physician.

If you're concerned about the connection between your thyroid and breast health, talk to a doctor to get a more personalized assessment of this link and of the treatments that will work with your unique health history. With a bit of planning and extra vigilance, most women with thyroid disease can achieve and maintain optimal breast health throughout their life span.

For Further Reading

• http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/dept/thyroid/women.html

• http://www.thyroid.ca/Guides/HG08.html#Breast

Thyroid Disorders and Birth Defects: Uncovering the Truth

Although the health impacts of thyroid disorders can be severe and wide-ranging, most thyroid-related illnesses and diseases can be controlled with close medical supervision. For many thyroid patients, the prospect of a long, healthy life is a realistic and achievable dream.

For infants of women with thyroid disorders, though, the outlook is often not so rosy. The thyroid is a key component of the endocrine system, which controls the release and regulation of hormones. During pregnancy, the mother’s endocrine system releases the hormones that control the growth and development of the fetus.

Because women with thyroid disorders often experience significant variances and fluctuations in endocrine system function, their ability to support a normal pregnancy can sometimes be affected. This week, we will take a look at the troubling link between thyroid disorders and birth defects.

The Role of Hormones in Pregnancy

The changes that transform a handful of cells into a fully-formed human infant in the span of just 40 weeks are nothing short of miraculous. In order to ensure that fetal development occurs properly, there are literally thousands of physical mechanisms and processes that must take place, and the chemical compounds known as hormones are responsible for igniting and sustaining many of these processes.

Because the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs in the hormone regulation process, any level of thyroid dysfunction can result in insufficient or excessive release of hormones during pregnancy. In many cases, women with severe thyroid disorders often experience difficulty becoming pregnant, or they may not be able to sustain a pregnancy to full term. However, when women with thyroid disorders do carry a pregnancy to full term, their infants bear an increased risk of certain birth defects, all of which are related to the improper regulation of maternal hormone levels during pregnancy.

Maternal Thyroid Disorders and Birth Defects

Although there are a range of birth defects that have been linked to maternal thyroid disorders, the most serious potential problems are related to neurological deficiencies in the infant. The mother’s thyroid gland plays a particularly important role in guiding the brain development of the growing fetus during pregnancy, and as such, when a thyroid disorder has limited the endocrine system’s ability to function normally, the fetus’ brain development processes can be interrupted.

The most serious outcome of maternal thyroid disease is mental retardation in the infant. In fact, in parts of the developing world in which iodine deficiency is a widespread problem, many women who suffer from severe hypothyroidism as a result give birth to infants with a unique form of mental retardation. Although iodine deficiency is not a chief cause of thyroid disorders in the United States and other developed nations, some mothers with severe hypothyroidism that has remained untreated still give birth to infants with mental retardation and other related types of neurological birth defects.

The link between severe hypothyroidism and the risk of birth defects has long been established. In more recent studies, scientists have attempted to gauge the impact of milder forms of thyroid disorders on pregnancy. Although the difficulties of properly diagnosing, detecting, and treating low-level thyroid disorders have made this course of study challenging, recent investigations have identified a number of risks among women with milder thyroid disorders and their infants.

Problems that have been cited in the research literature include a higher risk of premature delivery, diminished intelligence and IQ in childhood, heart problems, cleft palate, cleft foot, kidney disorders, and nervous system disorders. In one study conducted by scientists at John Hopkins University, it was found that women with mild to severe cases of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other forms of thyroid disease had an 18% chance of bearing infants with some form of birth defect or developmental disorder. In the general population, the risk of birth defects is calculated at 3%, so it is clear that the presence of maternal thyroid disorder seems to significantly heighten the risk of birth defects.

Thyroid Prevention and Treatment During Pregnancy

Although these figures can sound daunting, the good news is that advances in medical technology have made the process of treating women with thyroid disorders during pregnancy much more effective in recent years. With constant monitoring throughout pregnancy, there is a very good chance that thyroid hormone fluctuations can be kept within a small range, allowing for proper fetal growth and development. Millions of healthy infants are born each year to women with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, thyroid cancer, and other forms of thyroid disease.

If you have a thyroid disorder and are attempting to conceive, work with your endocrinologist, obstetrician, and other physicians to develop a strategic treatment plan before you become pregnant. The earlier you begin monitoring your hormone levels during pregnancy, the better your chances of delivering a healthy infant with no birth defects or developmental problems. Be sure to check back each week for more of the thyroid health news you need.

For Further Reading

• http://thyroid.about.com/library/weekly/aa012502a.htm
• http://www.greenjournal.org/cgi/content/abstract/110/2/369

Getting to the Heart of the Matter:

The Thyroid-Congestive Heart Failure Link

The human endocrine system is an extremely complicated biological mechanism. The regulation of hormone levels in our bodies can impact virtually every aspect of our physical and mental health, and when things go awry in this system, the consequences can be devastating. Many scientists have argued that current research has only begun to scratch the surface in terms of understanding the full significance of hormones and their health impact in the human body.

Many men and women diagnosed with thyroid disorders often have a deep-seated understanding of the broad impact of these health problems. The spectrum of symptoms and problems that have been linked to thyroid malfunction ranges runs the gamut from anxiety to weight gain -- and includes stops at virtually every letter in the medical dictionary along the way. Indeed, in the eyes of patients dealing with a thyroid diagnosis, it can often seem like there are very few health factors that thyroid problems can't cause.

Out of the full range of associated symptoms and health problems that have been linked to thyroid disorders, one stands out as particularly serious -- congestive heart failure. In recent decades, a number of prominent studies have established correlations between thyroid problems and an increased risk of developing congestive heart failure. This week, we'll take a closer look at the link between thyroid disorders and congestive heart failure, as well as some of the new research that is emerging to offer hope to patients with this dual diagnosis.

What is Congestive Heart Failure?

Although patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism can experience heart problems, including palpitations and tachycardia, but congestive heart failure has rarely, if ever, been linked to an overactive thyroid gland. On the other hand, a clear and compelling link between hypothyroidism (slow thyroid function) and congestive heart failure has been established in the research literature over the last several decades.

Despite its frightening name, congestive heart failure is a medical term that simply describes a failure of the heart muscle to perform at an optimum level. Patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure have hearts that are weak and do not pump as well as they should. Obviously, congestive heart failure hinders the circulatory system's ability to do its job properly.

But what may not be as clear is the severe health impact that this dysfunction can have. Because of substandard pumping and circulation, patients with congestive heart failure have deficient levels of nutrients and oxygen on the cellular level. As a result, the basic tasks of daily life can feel like a massive undertaking. For many patients with congestive heart failure, quality of life and overall well-being are significantly diminished.

The Link Between Hypothyroidism and Congestive Heart Failure

It is not fully understood how and to what extent hypothyroidism causes congestive heart failure, or whether the heart damage that can result in congestive heart failure plays a role in causing thyroid dysfunction. What is clear, however, is that these two disorders often co-exist.

One leading theory holds that because hypothyroidism can increase cholesterol levels in the blood, this can cause hardening of the arteries. This, in turn, can lead to the valve damage that is often a precursor of congestive heart failure. In addition, it is believed that the lack of thyroid hormone in the blood can impact the heart's ability to beat and pump properly.

Prognosis and Outlook

Congestive heart failure is a serious condition, and as uch, patients who are dually diagnosed with congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism often face a challenging battle to maintain health and quality of life.

However, the prognosis for dually-diagnosed patients is often very good. In fact, when the underlying hypothyroidism is being properly treated, many patients undergo significant improvement -- and in some cases even a reversal -- of congestive heart failure symptoms.

As such, the key to proper management of these disorders is to comply with all prescribed medication regimens, taking care to ensure that thyroid hormone levels remain as stable and consistent as possible. In addition, a healthy diet, frequent periods of rest, minimal sodium intake, and daily low-intensity exercise are all components of successful management of a dual diagnosis of hypothyroidism and congestive heart failure.

If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and congestive heart failure, consult with your medical team to develop a customized treatment management plan that's tailored to your specific needs. Be sure to check back each week for more thyroid health news!

For Further Reading

• http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/1997/01_97/bales.htm

• http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide-heart-failure

• http://www.heartpoint.com/congheartfailuretellme.html

Researchers Seek a Deeper Understanding of Thyroid Cancer Risk Factors and Treatments

September has been declared Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. All month long, the leading thyroid health organizations and associations have mounted targeted campaigns designed to increase the public's awareness of this rapidly spreading disease.

Over the course of the last several decades, the rate of diagnosis of several forms of thyroid cancer has skyrocketed. Today, more than 33,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are reported annually in the United States alone, and more than 1,100 deaths every year are linked to thyroid cancer. Both of these figures represent a significant increase over the government health data for thyroid cancer even a few decades ago.

There remains a great deal of controversy in the medical community over the cause of the apparent recent increase in the rate of thyroid cancer diagnosis. Some researchers have asserted that the increase can probably be attributed to improved diagnostic techniques. Others believe that the increase represents the kind of disease epidemic that can only be caused by changes in the environment.

Although there remains a great deal of heated debate over the cause of the spike in recent thyroid cancer diagnoses, there is a consensus among scientists that more research should be conducted investigating the root causes of the thyroid cancer phenomenon. This week, we'll take a look at some of the most significant recent findings from thyroid cancer studies around the world.

Study Finds Fewer Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Among African-Americans

Since the rapid increase in thyroid cancer diagnoses was first detected, many studies have sought to focus in on the rate of the detection of the disease among various subgroups and subpopulations. These epidemiological analyses have often yielded surprising results.

For example, a study that was discussed at the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation's annual convention demonstrated that African-American patients are diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a much lower rate than are their non-black counterparts. The researchers found that whites, in particular, were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with thyroid cancer than were African-Americans.

These results are puzzling for several reasons, including the fact that African-Americans usually have a higher rate of both diagnosis and mortality from all types of cancer. Some researchers have questioned whether the disparity may be due to socioeconomic factors, such as less access to medical insurance and primary care, than to medical factors.

Newly-Discovered Genetic Mutation May Guide the Future of Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Because of the continuing controversy over the origins of the spike in thyroid cancer diagnoses over the last several decades, many studies undertaken in recent years have sought to identify possible risk factors for the disease. Recently, researchers at the University of California-San Francisco have pinpointed a genetic mutation that may play an important role in the development of thyroid cancer.

According to the findings, which are scheduled to be published in an upcoming volume of the journal Annals of Surgery, the genetic mutation known as BRAF V600E may play a role not only in the development of thyroid cancer, but also in determining the disease's aggressiveness, intensity, and risk of recurrence.

The researchers argued that this genetic mutation may aid in the development of future treatment methods for thyroid cancer. Based on the presence of the BRAF V600E genetic marker, more effective courses of both prevention and treatment could be instituted in individuals with this risk factor.

New Imaging Technique May Aid in the Early Detection of Thyroid Nodules

As with all forms of cancer, early detection can be a major factor in determining the prognosis of a patient with thyroid cancer. However, traditional methods of detecting thyroid cancer are often unreliable.

Researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy have developed an innovative imaging method that may help clinicians determine the malignancy of thyroid nodules at a much earlier stage than previously thought possible. The technique, which was first described in a recent article in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, relies on a method known as ultrasound elastography.

This specialized form of the traditional ultrasound allows the density and stiffness of thyroid nodules to be assessed at an earlier stage of growth. Both of these characteristics are associated with cancerous thyroid growths.

If you suspect that you might be at risk for developing thyroid cancer, your physician can work with you to develop a personalized plan for prevention and diagnosis. Check this space each week for the latest in thyroid health news.