Tanya Sklierenko (Markland Wood Pharmacy) for New Pathway, Toronto.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones in response to thyroid stimulating hormone released from the brain. Thyroid hormones are essential for growth and metabolism. When your thyroid gland is underactive, it can lead to condition known as hypothyroidism. Low levels of thyroid hormone can affect your heart rate, breathing rate, digestion, and other symptoms.
What are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Feeling cold
- Weight gain
- Brittle nails
- Constipation
- Hoarse voice
- Puffiness of face/around eyes
- Heavy periods
- Infertility
- Difficulty concentrating
- Coarse hair/hair loss
- Muscle aches
- Depression
*Symptoms of hypothyroidism are varied, and a person suffering from hypothyroidism may not have all the symptoms above
Did You Know??
Hypothyroidism affects approximately 2 individuals in 100 and its prevalence increases with age. It also tends to occur more frequently in women than men. Family history of thyroid disorders may predispose individual’s likelihood of having hypothyroidism.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormone. Insufficient iodine levels in the body can lead to hypothyroidism and conditions such as goitre (enlarged thyroid gland). However, iodine deficiencies have been largely eliminated in Canada by the introduction of iodine fortified table salt in the 1920s.
Medication
The most commonly used treatment option for hypothyroidism is a synthetic thyroid hormone in a tablet form. This medication (i.e. Synthroid or Eltroxin) is taken once a day and is to be taken on an empty stomach spaced out from other medications. Thyroid medications are dosed individually by the physician based on lab results and individual symptoms. It is important to space out other medications or supplements such as vitamins and minerals with your thyroid medication by at least 2 hours since it can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the thyroid medication.
The colour of your thyroid medication differs based on the different strengths! Always ask your healthcare provider when you notice a difference in the colour of tablets that you take at home.
Share on Social Media
