Scientists Examine Obesity and Thyroid Disorders

For many obese people, achieving an optimal weight, and then maintaining it can be a lifelong challenge. Even those that diet and exercise regularly can have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.

And because living with excess weight can often lead to other medical ailments, the cycle is difficult to break, which may lead to frustration and a feeling of defeat. The aging process can promote weight gain and lead to difficulties losing weight, but often the culprit may be something that is so subtle that even medical professionals do not pinpoint it upon first examination.

In many cases, an underlying thyroid disorder can be affecting metabolism so much that even the most stringent diet and exercise programs meet with little results. By treating the cause and not the symptom, many obese people are able to achieve the results for which they have worked so hard.

The slowing of the thyroid

The slowing of the thyroid gland, a condition called hypothyroidism, can develop gradually over a period many years. In many cases, the person does not even realize that they are suffering from hypothyroidism, until the day that they understand that their weight is completely out of control. Although many health care professionals state that the link between thyroid disorders and obesity is a myth, because of many differing opinions on this issue, the debate still continues today. It can be confirmed, however, that hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain due to water retention and once the hypothyroidism is treated, the extra pounds go away. But there is still debate among researchers as to the exact percentage of weight gain that can be attributed to hypothyroidism. So it is clear that by eliminating the unknown factor by achieving a hormone balance that is normal, the question as to whether hypothyroidism is affecting one's weight can be answered.

Hypothyroidism is defined as a thyroid disorder of which the body lacks enough thyroid hormone. And because the main job of thyroid hormone is to manage the body's metabolism, any change in the level of this hormone can have dramatic results.

What causes hypothyroidism?

There are several causes of hypothyroidism. The most common is a condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a condition in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells resulting in antibodies being produced and misdirected against the gland. The result is a lower function of the thyroid gland called hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is more prevalent in women than it is in men and often occurs in women over the age of forty. But this condition can also afflict men. The symptoms include a slowed heartbeat, fatigue, anxiety, memory loss, dry skin, and inability to endure cold temperatures.

Treatment goals of hypothyroidism

The treatment goals of hypothyroidism is to keep the TSH levels under the mid to normal area. Some physicians will be satisfied by getting the patient's TSH levels in the normal range of 1.0, but researchers note that many endocrinologists and thyroid specialists will target a TSH range in a hypothyroid patient that is lower than normal with TSH from 0.3 to 0.5 to see if the patient has a better conclusion of symptoms.

What is TSH?

TSH is an abbreviation for the medical term thyroid stimulating hormone. It is responsible for producing Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) which are needed for normal maturity of the brain. T3 and T4 control the metabolism. Testing for normal TSH levels include a simple blood test and results can be received within a number of days.

What can be done?

If you or a loved one suspects weight gain, or obesity due to a thyroid disorder, it is recommended that you contact an endocrinologist or thyroid specialist right away. If you are not familiar with an endocrinologist or thyroid surgeon in the area, you can search on the Internet or consult your family physician to ask for a referral. Be sure to check with your health insurance carrier to be sure that your policy covers visits to a specialist. You may need to read your policy in detail or call the carrier directly to get confirmation. And as always, if you are able to get permission from your insurance carrier to see a specialist, it is recommended that you get this in writing prior to the physicians visit.

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Unusual Thyroid Symptoms: How Thyroid Disorders Impact the Mind

In recent years, thyroid disorders have begin to receive a great deal of media attention. The mystery behind rising thyroid cancer rates has garnered a lot of press coverage, while the revelation of talk show host’s Oprah Winfrey’s thyroid issues sparked a spike in interest.

As a result of this media coverage, most of the common symptoms of thyroid disorders are now much more widely recognized than they were in the past. According to a number of thyroid health advocacy groups, public awareness of many thyroid disorders – especially hypothyroidism – is at an all-time high.

Today, the lethargy, depression, fogginess, and weight gain that millions of people – especially women – have long suffered in silence are now recognized as stemming from underactive thyroids. New advances in thyroid medication mean that even cases that once would have gone diagnosed and untreated are being addressed.

However, while significant advances have been made in increasing awareness of common thyroid symptoms, there’s just one problem – not every thyroid disorder has the same type of symptoms. While the common signs of hypothyroidism point the way to a large number of cases, some patients experience a different set of symptoms altogether – symptoms that manifest themselves not as physical problems, but as mental and emotional problems.

This week, we’ll take a look at some of the lesser-known symptoms of thyroid disorders that involve mental, emotional, psychological, and cognitive disturbances. Though less common than the physical signs of thyroid disorders, these mental and emotional symptoms are equally, if not more, debilitating to the patients who experience them.

Mental and Emotional Signs of Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid gland is behind the common condition known as hypothyroidism.  Women are particularly vulnerable to this condition. In the majority of cases, the onset of hypothyroidism is marked by an increase in feelings of fatigue and lethargy, weight gain, a lack of motivation, and depression.

In some cases, hypothyroidism often develops very slowly, and it can be difficult to detect during the early stages. For some patients, emotional and mental changes are the first signs that something may be amiss. However, because of the sometimes-slow development of the disorder, patients may not attribute the mental and emotional changes to a physical disease. Instead, they may assume that these feelings are psychological and situational in nature.

In fact, medical practitioners often have the same difficulty distinguishing between mental and emotional distress that is caused by a patient’s personality, life experiences, and temperament and that which has its origins in a physical illness.

The two often feed off one another, as the experience of having an undiagnosed and untreated illness can spark genuine feelings of hopelessness and despair. Still, inexplicable or substantial changes in your emotional state could have a physical cause, and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

Common mental and emotional symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

• A feeling of mental fogginess and slowed thinking
• Loss of motivation and enthusiasm
• Difficulty with short- and long-term memory
• A decline in analytical ability and comprehension
• Hopelessness and depression
• Paranoid thought patterns
• In severe cases, confusion and disorientation

Mental and Emotional Signs of Hyperthyroidism

The condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland is known as hyperthyroidism. The disease is much rarer than hypothyroidism, and typically, its symptoms are easier to detect.

An overactive thyroid gland speeds up many of the body’s normal functions, so patients with hyperthyroidism often experience symptoms such as a racing heart rate, rapid breathing, and restlessness.

The same patterns that underlie the physical signs of hyperthyroidism also cause the disorder’s mental and cognitive symptoms. In essence, hyperthyroid patients often find themselves on an emotional roller coaster that speeds rapidly through different frames of mind. If you or a loved one has observed any of the following symptoms, please bring them to the attention of your doctor as soon as possible.

Common mental and emotional symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:

• Severe anxiety, stress, and tension
• Rapid mood swings
• Irritability
• Marked impatience
• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Periods of fluctuating anxiety and depression

Although the mental and emotional symptoms of thyroid disorders can be distressing, the good news is that they tend to disappear quickly when the underlying endocrine imbalance is properly treated. Talk to your physician for a personalized assessment of any unusual emotional symptoms you’ve experienced.

Thyroid Disorders and Aging: Common Problems and Challenges

The prospect of growing older brings with it an array of health challenges. As our organs, tissues, and other bodily systems age, their ability to function properly can decline. Even in the absence of a specific illness, disease, or injury, seniors’ overall quality of life can be negatively impacted if these small, gradual changes are not monitored and addressed.

Older men and women stand a much greater chance of developing thyroid disorders. In fact, health data show that seniors comprise the vast majority of those diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and other common thyroid problems.

Although thyroid problems are rarely fatal and respond well if treated properly, prompt and accurate diagnosis can often be difficult in older men and women. A recent study conducted by scientists at the Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that the early signs of thyroid disorders are often overlooked in elderly patients, and are sometimes mistaken for normal signs of aging.

As a result, it’s particularly important for older men and women -- as well as their loved ones and family members -- to stay aware of common thyroid symptoms and to alert their physicians at the first sign of any possible problems. This week, we’ll take a closer look at the issue of thyroid disorders in the elderly.

How Often Do Thyroid Disorders Impact the Elderly?

Although people in every phase of life can suffer from hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other forms of thyroid disease, these disorders are most common among men and particularly women over the age of 60. According to recent health statistics, as much as twenty percent of the female elderly population may be suffering from thyroid imbalance, with an estimate of fifteen percent applied to their male counterparts. Many of these thyroid disorders -- some believe more than half -- may be undiagnosed.

The exact causes of the high prevalence of thyroid disorders in the elderly are not yet known. Many researchers believe that the problem stems from a combination of the hormonal and endocrine system changes that can mark the later years, as well as a general decline in the body’s ability to function properly with advancing age.

What are the Unique Risks of Thyroid Disorders in the Elderly?

Thyroid disorders pose a significant health risk regardless of the patient’s age. However, in the elderly population, diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease, and other disorders can have dire consequences, particularly if they are left untreated.

Hypothyroidism, which results from an underactive thyroid gland, is linked with a wide array of negative health impacts among older men and women. Mental illness is one of the most serious concerns.

It is estimated that as many as one-quarter of all men and women over the age of 65 have some form of mental illness or disorder, and that thyroid problems may play a part in causing mental illness or exacerbating existing mental disorders, including dementia and confusion. Other health problems that have been linked with hypothyroidism in the elderly population include obesity, hardening of the arteries, higher cholesterol, and hypertension.

Though less common than hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism also impacts older men and women. Left untreated, it can result in potentially serious health problems, including heart palpitations, fatigue and weakness, decreased mobility, congestive heart failure, and weight loss.

The Treatment of Thyroid Disorders in the Elderly

Generally, most thyroid disorders respond well to consistent treatment, and this trend holds true with older men and women, as well. However, because of the unique health challenges facing the elderly as a result of the natural aging process, there are some considerations that have to be addressed when devising an effective treatment plan.

For example, some common forms of treatment for hypothyroidism can aggravate pre-existing heart conditions, for which elderly men and women are at greater risk than their younger counterparts. Post-menopausal women who are being treated with hormone replacement therapy may have to have their medications adjusted. Also, in general, lower dosages of medication are typically needed to treat elderly men and women with thyroid disorders.

Symptoms to Look Out For

If you or an elderly friend or family member experiences any of these symptoms, talk to a licensed medical professional as soon as possible.

• Weight loss or gain
• Confusion
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Constipation
• Dry, itchy skin
• Fatigue
• Hearing loss
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy
• Appetite changes

For Further Reading

• http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2003/05_03/mohandas1.htm

• http://thyroid.about.com/od/gettestedanddiagnosed/a/borderline.htm

The Body Divided: Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

Despite all of the significant medical advances that have been made in recent years, the mystery of autoimmune disorders continues to confound researchers. For reasons that are still largely unknown, autoimmune disorders cause the body literally to attack itself as if it were an invading germ, bacteria, or virus.

Although not all thyroid disorders follow this pattern, several of the most common thyroid-related illnesses have autoimmunological components. This week, we’ll take a deeper look at these puzzling illnesses and the way that they negatively impact the thyroid health of millions of men and women.

What are Autoimmune Disorders?

The immune system is a complex, sophisticated defense against outside invaders that could cause illness, injury, or disease. If our body is attacked by anything that might imperil our health, whether it’s the common cold or a splinter, the immune system springs into action. In most cases, the body fights back against germs with strategies such as fever and dispatching white blood cells and other helper cells.

However, for reasons that have not yet been fully explained, the immune systems of some individuals lose the ability to differentiate between the body’s cells and invading outside germs, bacteria, and viruses. In these cases, the body’s immune system may begin to attack its own cells, tissues, or organs, just as it would a cold virus or a bacterial infection. Some of the most common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, Guillain-Barre syndrome, celiac disease, Type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

What is not as widely known is that two of the most common causes of thyroid disorders -- namely, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease -- are also classified as autoimmune disorders.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that is believed to be the leading cause of hypothyroidism in North America. Women between the ages of 45-65 are at greatest risk of developing thyroid disorders as a result of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

In this disorder, the immune system somehow loses the ability to recognize the thyroid as part of the body. Instead, the immune system begins to attack the thyroid as if it were an invading pathogen. As a result of this immunological response, the follicles on the thyroid gland sustain damage. This, in turn, impedes the thyroid gland’s ability to function at a normal rate, which in turn can result in a wide variety of other adverse health outcomes.

Although this disorder was first identified by Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912, its origins and causes remain mysterious. However, recent research has indicated that there may be a strong genetic component linked to a patient’s risk of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Individuals with a family risk of chromosomal disorders such as Turner's syndrome, Down syndrome, and Klinefelter's syndrome are at greater risk of developing this thyroid disorder.

Graves’ Disease

Although Graves’ disease is also an autoimmune thyroid disorder, it is linked to hyperthyroidism, rather than hypothyroidism. Because patients with Graves’ disease suffer from an unnaturally rapid rate of thyroid functioning, they also experience many of the classic symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism, including increased appetite, weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, hot flashes, excessive perspiration, tremors, palpitations, weakness, vision problems, digestive difficulties, and menstrual dysfunction.

In Graves’ disease, the immune’s system inappropriate response to the thyroid gland is different than the pattern which is associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Most significantly, it results in the inflammation and enlargement of the thyroid gland, which in turn prompts the thyroid to produce an excess amount of the hormone thyroxine. This hormonal surplus sets into motion the classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Although the precise causes of Graves’ disease have not yet been uncovered, researchers suspect that a genetic component may be involved. Like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, women appear to be at greater risk for developing the condition than their male counterparts. However, Graves’ disease is much rarer than Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, affecting only an estimated five out of every 10,000 men and women.

Prognosis

Because scientists still have not unraveled the mysterious origins, causes, and mechanisms of autoimmune thyroid disorder, no “cure” exists for either Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. However, most of the thyroid-related symptoms associated with these disorders can be reduced or eliminated with a prescribed regimen geared to correct the rate of thyroid function. As a result, the overall prognosis for both disorders is good, although patients must be prepared to comply with a life-long course of treatment in order to keep symptoms at bay.

For Further Reading

• http://www.aarda.org/women.html

• http://www.4woman.gov/faq/graves.htm

• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

Thyroid Disorders, the Menstrual Cycle, and Fertility: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Reproductive Health

Women with thyroid disorders know that the effects of these health problems can be widespread. However, many newly-diagnosed patients are surprised to find out that thyroid dysfunction can interfere with the menstrual cycle, and, by extension, with reproduction and fertility. Conversely, more and more women who report menstrual difficulties and irregularities to their doctors are subsequently being diagnosed with thyroid disorders.

So, what does the little butterfly-shaped gland in your neck have to do with your menstrual cycle? Well, odd as it may initially sound, both are intimately intertwined with the endocrine system, which regulates the creation and distribution of hormones within the body. As a result of this relationship, problems with the menstrual cycle could indicate problems with the thyroid gland -- or vice versa.

Thyroid Disorders and the Menstrual Cycle

Patients with either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may experience menstrual irregularities related to their disorders, although each tends to be associated with a unique pattern of symptoms. This is due to the fact that the variations in the level of thyroid hormone associated with each form of thyroid disease -- either too little or too much -- results in a different outcome in the body.

Women with hypothyroidism produce insufficient levels of thyroid hormones. Menstrual irregularities associated with hypothyroidism include:

• Early onset of menstruation (typically before the age of 10)

• Heavy or prolonged menstruation, also known as menorrhagia

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, including symptoms such as excessive cramps, headache, backache, nausea, aches in the limbs, a bloated sensation, and bowel irregularities

• Amennorhea, or an absence of menstrual periods

On the other hand, women with hyperthyroidism produce too much thyroid hormone and experience problems associated with excessive metabolic rates as a result. They are often faced with a different set of menstruation-related symptoms, including:

• Early or late onset of menstruation, depending on the age at which hyperthyroidism develops

• Unusually light or scant flow during menstrual period

• Sporadic or irregular periods, with long stretches of time between periods

In addition, if women with hyperthyroidism receive excessive doses of pharmaceutical treatment, they may enter into a false hypothyroid state, and begin experiencing the type of menstrual symptoms that are typically associated with hypothyroidism.

Thyroid Disorders and Fertility

Clearly, the extent to which thyroid problems can impact the menstrual cycle has grave implications for a woman’s fertility and ability to carry a pregnancy to term. The menstrual irregularities associated with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can make ovulation rare and conception difficult, and women with underactive and overactive thyroids have a greater risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and slowed prenatal development.

Often, women suffering from thyroid disorders do not ovulate regularly, if at all. Experts recommend the use of over-the-counter ovulation tests to determine if this might be a problem for you. If it is difficult or impossible for you to pinpoint the time of ovulation, consult with your physician to schedule more detailed medical tests.

In other cases, thyroid disorders can shorten the cycle of fertility. Specifically, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle can often be truncated in women with thyroid dysfunction. This can make it difficult to determine the optimal time frame for conception, as well as making it more likely that the body will reject an early pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism has been linked with the production of excess amounts of the hormone prolactin, which has been shown to diminish the chances of conception by suppressing ovulation, similar to the way that breastfeeding tends to impede menstruation in the months following childbirth.

What Can You Do?

Although thyroid disorders have been linked to both menstrual irregularities and fertility problems, both of these issues can be addressed with a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan. Here are some guidelines to help you devise a strategy for optimal reproductive health:

• Adhere strictly to your prescribed treatment regimen. In order to minimize menstrual irregularities and stabilize your fertility cycle, it is vital that your thyroid hormone levels remain within the normal range. The single best thing you can do to make this happen is to stick to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

• Keep tabs on your cycle. Recording the start and end date of your period each month can be tedious, but it’s the best way to monitor your regularity and overall reproductive health. In addition to dates and times, also jot down brief notes about the type and amount of flow you observe. That way, if you notice any irregularities, you’ll have all the documentation you need to offer a full description to your doctor.

• When in doubt, consult a specialist. If, after a year or more of following these guidelines, you are still experiencing difficulties with menstrual irregularity or infertility, it may be best to consult with an expert trained in treating reproductive problems in women with endocrine disorders. If fertility is your concern, there may be other health factors that are standing in the way of conception.

For Further Reading

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

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003149.htm

• http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2781.htm