Jul 27, 2020 · 43 min
In this episode: What is the thyroid and what is it responsible for? The thyroid is a small gland in the body that is located centrally in the neck, and is responsible for synthesizing thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is necessary for the functioning of the body, controls metabolism in adults, and is critical for brain development in children. Some babies are actually born without a thyroid, so they would need to take thyroid hormone for proper growth and brain maturation. Early on in a pregnancy: Sometimes the pituitary gland can secrete a hormone called Beta ECG that is similar in structure to the thyroid stimulating hormone. When Beta ECG binds to the thyroid it can trick the thyroid into thinking it’s being stimulated and causes a slightly overactive thyroid. Endocrinologist consider this to be normal early on in the pregnancy. Women might also experience some swelling in their neck (goiter) due to the thyroid being overactive. Endocrinologist want to be able to distinguish between these changes going on with what is considered “pathological changes” (these need to be treated/monitored). Some examples are: Underactive thyroid (hypothyroid): Some symptoms may be low energy, fatigue, muscle aches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, weight gain, constipation, swelling of legs, cold intolerances, hair loss, irregular menses. Hashimoto’s: Autoimmune thyroid disease, runs in the family Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid): Some symptoms may be weight loss, anxiety, tremors, palpitations, increased sweating, heat intolerance, diarrhea, hair loss. Thyroiditis: Can be painless and also painful. If a woman experienced postpartum thyroiditis, they’re more at risk for developing it again with subsequent pregnancies. Graves disease: overproduction of thyroid, will not usually get better without treatment. Toxic nodular goiter: Nodules on thyroid gland, more milder than Graves American thyroid association: https://www.thyroid.org/ Endocrine society: https://www.endocrine.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwjer4BRCZARIsABK4QeWhJrt95IlIM1oD-ZZtl1bYMFTq6DKe7z2frKHgxrV2XINLPqDfFRMaAv4oEALw_wcB American association of clinical endocrinologist: https://www.aace.com/ Find information on Dr. Chandarana and where she works: http://www.summitendocrine.com/