Don't let your thyroid ruin your life
NHS Choices and talkhealth have teamed up with thyroid disorder charity British Thyroid Foundation (BTF) and Sense About Science to present an ‘Online Clinic on Thyroid disorders’ from 25 - 31 January 2012.
The clinic will be hosted on all talkhealth sites, talkhealthpartnership.com, with leading thyroid disorder experts on hand throughout the whole of the week to answer your questions. You will be able to communicate directly with the experts who include Professor Edzard Ernst, Professor Colin Dayan, Professor John Lazarus, Dr Petros Perros, Dr David Kerbel, Dr Graham Beastall and endocrine specialist nurse Dianne Wright.
The thyroid is a gland in your neck that makes two hormones that are secreted into the blood. These hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are necessary for the cells in your body to function correctly.
Thyroid disorders are very common and affect one in 20 people. Women are more likely to have thyroid disorders although they can occur in men, children and teenagers and the condition can be temporary or permanent.
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder and occurs when not enough of the thyroid hormones are produced which slows down your cells and organs. This can then result in related problems such as constipation where the intestines have slowed down. Symptoms can include tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, poor concentration and depression.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroxine is produced. This could lead to increased activity in the organs and may cause symptoms such as frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea if the intestine is functioning at an increased rate. Other symptoms can include weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety and sore or gritty eyes.
Other thyroid disorders include thyroid eye disease, benign nodules, thyroid cancer and post-partum thyroiditis which can be triggered by having a baby and although temporary can return with each pregnancy.
Thyroid conditions and most symptoms can be treated using medication or appropriate intervention.
If you are confused or concerned about your thyroid disorder or treatment or wondering if you may have a thyroid disorder visit the online clinic and put your mind to rest.