Oprah Winfrey, in the October issue of her magazine, talked about weight and thyroid conditions. She reported that she initially had hyperthyroidism, a condition of overactivity of the gland that controls metabolism. After her condition was treated (as often happens), she developed hypothyroidism and it contributed to a 20 pound weight gain!
Patients with weight problems often ask the doctor if their problem could be due to problems with their thyroid gland. And the clear answer is: YES, it could! Patients who have experienced weight gain, especially if they also have problems with fatigue, difficulty tolerating cold temperatures, constipation, difficulty concentrating, dryness or other skin changes, or swelling in the face or extremities, should be evaluated by the doctor for hypothyroidism. The screening test for this is a simple blood test called a thyroid stimulating hormone test (TSH), and can quickly determine whether your gland is functioning in the normal range.
Patients sometimes get confused about "overactive" v. "underactive" glands and the difference in symptoms between theses two conditions. An "overactive" gland in a hyperthyroid patient typically causes weight loss (not weight gain), along with a rapid heart rate, tremor or nervousness, increased sweating, intolerance of hot temperatures, warm, moist skin, and possibly a "goiter" or an enlarged gland.
Patients such as Ms. Winfrey, who are treated by medication, surgery or radiation typically go from an overactive gland to an underactive gland. Then, they have to be treated with a thyroid hormone replacement medication. This is not usually a problem, since the dosage is pretty easy to calibrate and can be monitored by checking on symptom recurrence and periodically obtaining a TSH level.
So, if you have gained weight and wonder if it could be your thyroid, have your doctor check your TSH level. Most commonly though, the problem is not in the thyroid but is related to either increased caloric intake or a decrease in caloric expenditure (i.e. lack of adequate exercise).
Are you confused about thyoid problems? Your comments or questions are always welcome...
(www.wnbc.com)
Labels: doctor, medication, thyroid, weight problems
