October is Thyroid Awareness month. Some people don’t understand the important role this small gland in the throat plays in overall health. The thyroid gland aids in the function of our heart, brain, liver, kidneys, skin and more. It’s very important to make sure it is healthy and functioning.

What Is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. This gland releases a hormone which sets the pace at which your body operates. It does this by using iodine, which is a mineral you get from food like table salt, seafood, bread and milk. It takes in the iodine and makes two hormones which it releases into your body. It’s controlled by the pituitary gland, which tells the thyroid how much of each hormone to release into your bloodstream.

What Can Go Wrong?

The two biggest issues that can go wrong with this gland are if it produces too much or too little of the hormones that your body needs.

Hypothyroidism is when outside influences, like disease, damage to the thyroid, or certain medicines, cause it to not produce enough hormone. This slows down your body’s functions.

Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid produces too much of the hormones, which sends your body into overdrive.

How Do You Know if You Have Thyroid Issues?

If you have hypothyroidism, you may:

• Feel colder than normal, despite the temperature
• Feel tired and depressed for no obvious reason
• Gain weight even though you’re eating less
• Notice a lump or protrusion in your neck, which may be a goiter

If you have hyperthyroidism, you may:

• Experience a racing pulse
• Feel irritable and overheated
• Have trouble sleeping
• Lose weight in spite of a good appetite
• Experience anxiety and nervousness
• Notice a lump or protrusion in your neck, which may be a goiter

Many of these symptoms mimic other diseases or may be easily ignored. A simple blood test with your doctor can check your thyroid and make sure it’s functioning properly.

Who Should Have Their Thyroid Checked?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, especially in combination with any new strange lumps on your neck, ask your doctor for a blood test to check your hormone levels. Other people who may want to get checked are:

• Those who have a family history of thyroid disease, especially if the family member was a parent or sibling
• Anyone taking the medications Lithium or Amiodarone
• People who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck; for example, radiation therapy for tonsils, an enlarged thymus, or for acne

What Can You Do if You Have Problems?

Depending on what your thyroid is doing wrong, there are several options for treatment. In the last few years, treatment for thyroid problems has proven very successful. Most issues can be treated by one of the following:

• Prescription drugs
• Iodine treatments
• Removal of the thyroid

It is important to note that pregnant women should be especially aware of their thyroid, as hormones often change during pregnancy. Your doctor should keep an eye on it and will let you know if anything changes.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your thyroid. If you do not have a doctor and would like to find one, UT Medical Center’s Healthcare Coordination can help. They will talk to you about what insurance you have, what type of doctor you need, and what days are most convenient for you to make an appointment. Call them today at 865-305-6970 to make an appointment.

For more recipes or information about keeping a healthy thyroid, contact the Health Information Center. The Health Information Center is a library staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists. If you let us know your health information needs, we will do research for you, print what we find, and mail it straight to your house. You can call us at 865-305-9525. We also have a large collection of health books covering a variety of topics, including the following:

Why do I still have thyroid symptoms? when my lab tests are normal : a revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

The prediabetes diet plan : how to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes through healthy eating and exercise

Eat less salt : an easy action plan for finding and reducing the sodium hidden in your diet with 60 heart-healthy recipes

Becoming a library member is free and only requires a picture ID.

The Health Information Center in located on the first floor the hospital. We have computers, printers, and a quiet place to take a break. We are open the following times:

Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am-9 pm
Fri., 8:30 am-5 pm
Sat., 9 am-5 pm
Sun., 1 pm-9 pm