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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
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Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 6 2008
Thyroid disease
The thyroid is a gland at the front of the neck. It produces a hormone (thyroid hormone) which is involved in growth and metabolism.
If the gland is diseased or damaged it cannot make enough thyroid hormone. This causes symptoms such as tiredness, poor concentration, constipation and a poor appetite. The patient may have dry hair and skin, a hoarse voice and swelling of the feet. They can put on weight and their face may alter shape. This condition is called hypothyroidism.
Once a cause of hypothyroidism is found, the patient is given thyroxine tablets. These bring the amount of thyroid hormone in the body back to normal and the patient recovers. Lifelong treatment is usually needed, with occasional blood tests to make sure the dose is right.
