According to the National Health Observance calendar, January is thyroid awareness month. Our pharmacists want you to know they are experts in providing you information about this condition and others. They can help you understand signs and symptoms of this condition and help you prepare for discussions with your primary care provider. Also, our pharmacists want to assist you with continuing care after you visit your provider. Whether you have an acute or recurrent medical condition or want preventative care and nutritional support, our pharmacists are there for you!
Thyroid hormones affect the function of nearly every organ system. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. When it doesn't produce normal levels of thyroid hormone, many different symptoms may occur that can affect daily quality of life. In the child, thyroid hormone is needed for normal growth and development. In the adult, the major role of thyroid hormone is to regulate metabolism.
About 1.3 percent of the U.S. population has hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone production. Women are 5 times more likely to have this condition than men. Common signs and symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, weakness in arms and thighs, trembling, sweating, heat intolerance, fast or uneven heartbeats, weight loss, or frequent bowel movements.
Hypothyroidism is the condition of not producing enough thyroid hormone. It affects 4.6% of the U.S. population. Women are five to eight times more likely to be hypothyroid than men, and possibly a more common in elderly women. Common signs and symptoms may include constipation, fatigue, developing coarse or thin hair, dry skin, cold intolerance, weight gain, or slow heartbeats.
A simple blood test can be used to diagnose both hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Your provider will often check Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3), and Thyroxine (T4) levels in order to provide a diagnosis. Both your provider and our pharmacists are expert interpreters of these levels and will be able to assist you with understanding your health and therapy. It is important to know and understand your numbers. Remember our pharmacists can give you the knowledge to understand.
Talk to our pharmacists about drug interactions, side effects, dietary effects, or about your specific thyroid levels to support your wellness. We welcome all new prescriptions and patients to any of our pharmacies. We accept most insurance plans, including Express Scripts.
Thanks for reading!
Julie Pharm.D. Kandy Pharm.D. Candidate 2012
See also:
Dipiro, J., Talbert, R., Yee, G., et al. Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 8e. 2011. Ch 84. Accessed 12/27/2011 online at: www.accesspharmacy.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu
Ross, D., Cooper, D., Mulder, J. Diagnosis of and screening for hypothyroidism. UptoDate 19.3, 2011. Access 12/27/2011 online at: www.uptodate.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu
Ross, D., Cooper, D., Mulder, J. Disorders that cause hyperthyroidism. UptoDate 19.3, 2011. Accessed 12/27/2011 online at: www.uptodate.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu
Patient information: hypothyroidism. UptoDate 19.3 2011. Accessed 12/27/2011 online at: www.uptodate.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu
Patient information: hyperthyroidism. UptoDate 19.3 2011. Accessed 12/27/2011 online at: www.uptodate.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu
Haggen © 2010 Haggen, Inc. All rights reserved.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policy.
Except where permitted by law, the material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Haggen, Inc.