Category: thyroid

Researchers believe that Graves’ disease results from a combination of genetics and outside triggers, such as bacteria or viruses. The exact cause is unclear, although experts believe this disease is triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Like in all cases of autoimmune diseases, the immune system in Graves’ disease attacks the body...

Nutrients and hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is an increase in thyroid hormone levels. The best foods to eat if you have hyperthyroidism are low-iodine foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, egg whites, nuts and honey. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by an increase in thyroid hormones within the body. It is often caused by Grave’s disease, which is an...

What is the thyroid gland? What are thyroid diseases? Share Your Story Thyroid diseases are treated depending on the type of disorder you have. The thyroid gland makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy. Thyroid hormones are essential...

What is methimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methimazole is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Grave's disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Grave's disease is an autoimmune disease resulting from antibodies that attach to receptors on thyroid hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland and trigger overproduction of...

What is propylthiouracil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an oral medication that is used to manage hyperthyroidism which is due to an overactive thyroid gland. It is an anti-thyroid drug that has a mechanism of action that is similar to methimazole (Tapazole). Graves’ disease is the most common cause...

What is liothyronine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic (man-made) version of one of the two hormones made by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine. It is used for treating individuals who are hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells...

Thyroid eye disease, also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or Graves' ophthalmopathy, is an eye condition that happens in a person with an overactive thyroid. Most eye surgeons (ophthalmologists) and hormone specialists (endocrinologists) will be in contact with an oculoplastic surgeon with experience in treating patients with thyroid eye disease. Most eye surgeons (ophthalmologists) and hormone...

If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to various complications If hypothyroidism is not treated, it can lead to various complications, such as : Goiter: The lack of thyroid hormone causes constant stimulation of the thyroid gland that eventually leads to its enlargement. This is called a goiter. Goiter can cause cosmetic concerns and...

What is hypothyroidism? The effects of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, constipation, thinning hair, brittle nails, weight gain, low libido, joint and muscle pain, depression, and more. The thyroid is a gland located at the front of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones that affect nearly every process in your body. One of its most important...