Pat Finken - City Magazine

Approximately 59 million Americans have a
thyroid problem, but most don’t even know it yet. The
thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the
front of the neck below the Adam’s apple, regulates the
body’s metabolic processes. When your thyroid doesn’t
function, it can affect every aspect of your health.
Since undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically
increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, depression,
anxiety, infertility and a host of other health problems, it
is important that you don’t go undiagnosed.
According to Dr. Laura Archuletta, a family
physician with the St. Alexius Center for Family
Medicine in Mandan, “The most common thyroid
problem is hypothyroidism, in which the gland does
not produce enough thyroid hormone. Common
symptoms of hypothyroidism include, fatigue, cold
intolerance, weight gain and body aches. Depression
and other mood changes can also be symptoms of
hypothyroidism. Causes of hypothyroidism include
previous treatments of overactive thyroid, surgery on
the thyroid gland, some medications and Hashimoto’s
disease. Long-term lack of thyroid hormone can cause
stress on many of the body’s organs, especially the heart.
It also weakens bone and can lead to osteoporosis.”
Dr. Archuletta goes on to say, “In many cases, blood
work is all that is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of
hypothyroidism. Blood tests can measure the levels of
thyroid hormones in the body and provide information
on how well the gland is functioning. An ultrasound
can be used to take pictures of the gland to determine
if the gland is abnormally enlarged, or to rule out goiter
(a noncancerous mass on the thyroid). Occasionally,
advanced tests like biopsies or nuclear scans may be
necessary.”
Thyroid dysfunction typically responds well to
medication. An underactive thyroid can be treated to
boost the hormone levels. However, it can take weeks to
months for the body to return to normal functioning.
After the medications have had time to work, blood
work may be repeated to be sure the dose is correct and
the hormone levels are where they should be.
To learn more about your thyroid…talk to your
doctor at your next appointment.
Mary Tello-Pool a licensed practical nurse, lives and works
in Bismarck. She also serves as a health commissioner on the
Burleigh County Board of Health.
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