132 February 2012 BTM marketplace Hormonal Imbalance The thyroid gland is a large butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. By producing thyroid hormones, the gland helps regulate our body’s metabolism. BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL The two most common thyroid diseases are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid produces either too few or too many hormones respectively. Both conditions are much more common in women than men. “The most common cause for hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks and damages thyroid cells,” explains Dr Yadla Sreenivas, endocrinology and internal medicine consultant at Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH). Other causes are viral infections, radiation treatment to the neck or head, an iodine deficiency or excess, or even as a sideeffect from the drug lithium. Most patients are found to have symptoms that include weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, fatigue, constipation, memory problems and even depression. With pregnant women, the condition can result in anaemia, muscle pain, congestive heart failure and placental abnormalities to name a few. It is easy to diagnose hypothyroidism with simple blood tests that measure levels of thyroid hormones; however, sometimes this condition goes undiagnosed because the symptoms develop gradually. “Women who already have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism should have a TSH test as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Thyroid hormone requirements increase during pregnancy, often leading to the need to increase the levothyroxine dose,” says Dr Yadla. Hyperthyroidism is exactly the opposite of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is enlarged and produces too many hormones. It most commonly occurs in women aged between 20 and 40 and can also develop during or just after pregnancy. Its most common cause is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system makes antibodies that enlarge the thyroid and leading to over production of hormones. In early pregnancy, very high levels of HCG hormones — as seen in severe forms of morning sickness — may cause a hyperthyroid state called temporary gestational thyrotoxicosis, which doesn’t require any treatment. This condition usually disappears by week 18 to 20 of pregnancy. Common symptoms include weight loss, nervousness, palpitations, feeling hot, increased sweating and inability to sleep. Muscle weakness, particularly in arms and legs, as well as bulging eyes can also be noticed. “If your thyroid produces too little hormone, synthetic thyroid hormone, typically thyroxin is given to the patients. Typically tests are done while taking this drug and the hospital ensures the right dose is administered. Once your thyroid is stable, stick with the brand and take it every day,” explains Dr Yadla. However, treating hyperthyroidism is a little more complicated. Initially your doctor may start you on medications to slow down your heart rate and tremors. Anti-thyroid medications are given to patients to lower hormone levels while other available treatment options include radioactive iodine and surgery. E Call 17 812-000. Dr Yadla Sreenivas
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==