Know the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

by Candi Smith, Contributing Writer

Donna was sluggish and depressed for almost a year. She had gained 20 pounds, her sex drive was non-existent, and her periods were erratic. When she visited her family doctor, he explained that many women had her symptoms—then prescribed her an antidepressant.

If her doctor had inquired further, he would have discovered Donna was also losing excessive amounts of hair, was chronically constipated, suffered with body chills, and had dry, scaly skin. Donna was depressed—but her body was trying to tell her she had a thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease was recently brought into the public eye when Oprah Winfrey announced that she has hypothyroidism. However, another thyroid disease not as well known is hyperthyroidism. Its symptoms include rapid weight loss, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety attacks, diarrhea, hot flashes, increased sweating and eye sensitivity.

A family doctor can diagnose and treat thyroid disease, but a patient may be referred to an endocrinologist. These specialists are trained in the endocrine system, which is comprised of the small organs regulating hormones.

David S. Sneid, MD, FACE, is a Kansas City-based endocrinologist who has been in private practice for over 25 years. He explained a series of tests to check for thyroid disease that usually provide a firm diagnosis. The most common to check for thyroid disease is the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test. TSH is very sensitive, and has few false negative results—but its results should consider the patient’s age as a factor. Also, TSH should be repeated, and corroborated with blood tests and a complete physical. Sneid stated that using this combination of diagnostic tools can give an accurate diagnosis, and help the doctor develop a treatment plan.

Dr. Sneid said thyroid disease typically affects females, although it’s found in both sexes; is most common with patients who are teenagers to early 20s and over age 60; and is based upon family history and genetic predisposition. Unfortunately, most patients will experience symptoms for eight months before seeing a doctor, particularly with hyperthyroidism which is often misdiagnosed as a mental disorder. He said once a doctor considers the possibility of thyroid disease and pursues its diagnosis, test results are obtained quickly.

If hypothyroidism is diagnosed, a lifelong treatment of thyroid replacement medication is prescribed. The exception can be pregnancy-induced hypothyroidism, which usually resolves itself. Sneid stressed that patients should use brand name versus generic medication (due to the variance in effectiveness).

If hyperthyroidism is diagnosed, one dose of radioiodine is administered, which treats the majority of cases. Rarely is the thyroid surgically removed, and usually only in cases of malignancy, or for cosmetic reasons if the thyroid is greatly enlarged.

If caught in its early stages, thyroid disease can be easily managed—but getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step on your path to wellness. For more information, visit the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists web site at: www.aace.com

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