The THYROID episode Thyroid gland sits low in the neck. Secretes two forms of thyroid hormone - T3 and T4 Symptoms: affects the heart rate, weight, hair, mood, reflexes, bowels, energy TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is measured in the blood to monitor thyroid levels High TSH means low thyroid Low TSH means high thyroid Goiter is enlargement of thyroid tissue. Can be active and secrete thyroid hormone or inactive. Thyroid cancer: most common is papillary thyroid cancer - highly treatable. Medullary thyroid cancer is rare. Graves disease: autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism, goiters, and eye disease Hyperthyroidism is TOO MUCH thyroid hormone. Treated with radioactive iodine ablation or thyroid resection. Often end up needing thyroid replacement. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: most common cause of hypothyroidism or LOW thyroid Levothyroxine is used for thyroid replacement. Dose is weight-based and then monitored with TSH. Replacement levothyroxine must be taken first thing in the morning at least 30 minutes apart from other medications and foods to absorb. Health Pearl: Toenail fungus (thick, yellow nails) is a common problem. It can be treated with applying Vicks VapoRub to the nails at night. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/everythingdoc www.twitter.com/everythingdoc1