Q+A: Be proactive about your thyroid

Research shows women are more likely to develop thyroid problems than men, though many experts don’t know why. Dr. Marissa Stewart-Jaynes works at Mercy Primary Care in Paducah, specializing in family medicine. The most important thing, she says, is to “know your body, especially if there’s a family history of thyroid problems.” She explains what the thyroid is, and how disorders are treated.

What is the thyroid, and what does it do?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces two main hormones called T3 (triiodothyronineand) and T4 (thyroxine). The thyroid plays a role in many metabolic functions of the body, such as hair growth and weight. If it’s producing these two hormones in the right amounts, then your metabolism will be properly regulated.

What are symptoms of a thyroid disorder?

You may experience heart palpitations, hair growth or loss, or chronic fatigue. Women’s periods may become irregular, and there might be a temperature imbalance, such as feeling hot or cold all the time. You may also experience a change in bowel habits.

What is hyperthyroidism, and how is it treated?

Your thyroid is producing too much T3 and T4 hormones. You may lose weight, have palpitations, anxiety and irregular periods. Treatment depends on the severity, but your doctor can immediately treat some symptoms with a blood pressure-reducing beta-blocker drug. Anti-thyroid drugs may be prescribed, as well. An extreme treatment involves removing part of the thyroid.

What is hypothyroidism, and how is it treated?

Hypothyroidism is when too little of the T3 and T4 hormones are produced, resulting in weight gain, chronic fatigue, hair loss and constipation. Your doctor will prescribe a synthetic thyroxine, a medication that is identical to the T4 hormone.

How are disorders diagnosed?

Symptoms can be present in a lot of different issues. The best way to determine if there is a problem is to talk to your doctor. Are these symptoms new? Have they developed together? Is there a family history? What is your overall health history? Based on your conversation, your doctor may prescribe a thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test.

How can people learn more?

Women can call my office at (270) 538-5596. Or visit womenshealth.gov and search for “thryoid disease fact sheet.”