thyroid

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 …

What are thyroid disorders? Readers Comments 39 Share Your Story Picture of Thyroid Gland Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. Different types of thyroid disorders affect either its structure or function. The thyroid gland is …

What are thyroid replacement hormones and how do they work? Thyroid replacement hormones are medications used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the production of thyroid hormone in the body is abnormally low. Thyroid hormones increase cellular metabolism (activity of cells) that is responsible for growth, development of tissues, maintenance of brain function, body temperature regulation and several other …

What is potassium iodide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium iodide is a iodine-containing liquid that is used to protect the thyroid gland and to loosen secretions in the lungs (expectorant) so that they can be more easily coughed up (expectorated). Procedures that involve the use of radioactive iodine can damage the thyroid gland because the gland …

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 of hyperthyroidism. It 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 for the function of every …

What is levothyroxine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levothyroxine is a synthetic (man-made) version of the principle thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) that is made and released by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone is important for the growth …

Hyperparathyroidism definition and facts* Readers Comments 14 Share Your Story *Hyperparathyroid facts medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler Hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by overactivity of the parathyroid glands, four small glands located around the thyroid gland in the neck. Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when there is a disorder of the parathyroid glands themselves. Secondary hyperparathyroidism results when a condition elsewhere …

Hypoparathyroidism facts* *Hypoparathyroidism facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough parathyroid hormone (PTH), a hormone that regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in your body’s bones and blood. Hypoparathyroidism is very rare. It is different from hyperparathyroidism, a much more common condition in which the body makes too …

Thyroiditis facts *Thyroiditis facts medically edited by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Thyroiditis is inflammation or swelling of the thyroid gland. There are several types off thyroiditis; Hashimoto’s, postpartum, silent or painless and subacute. Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may include fatigue, depression, cold intolerance, weight gain, dry skin and hair, muscle cramps, constipation, decreased concentration and sleepiness, leg swelling, puffy …