QUESTIONS TEXTED FROM LISTENERS:
Dear doctor, speak on goiters I have small ones do I need to be concerned also how does cruciferous vegetables affect your thyroid?
Goiters, or an enlarged thyroid gland, can have several causes. The most common cause worldwide is iodine deficiency. This is not much of a problem in the United States because many of our foods are fortified with iodine.
In the United States the most common cause of goiter is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which causes autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland, which can lead to hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
The pituitary gland senses a low thyroid hormone level and secretes another hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid to make more thyroid hormone, which may cause the thyroid to increase in size. For more information about goiters, click HERE.
In your case, I would make sure that your doctor checks your thyroid blood tests regularly (every 6 to 12 months) to make sure that your actual thyroid function and hormone levels remain normal.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, arugula, and collards, do not affect the thyroid directly; however, they are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which are important for overall good health.
I have nodules on my thyroid. What causes that?
The cause of most thyroid nodules is not known, although they are common and increase with age. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States, can cause thyroid nodules. For more information about thyroid nodules, click HERE.
Can a hyperthyroid cause psychotic episodes?
In rare cases hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) can be associated with psychosis. Most individuals who develop psychosis in this setting have a prior history of mania or other psychiatric disorder.
Online there are websites that tell you there are foods you can eat to get rid of thyroid nodules. My doctor said that is not true. What does Dr. Golden say?
Your doctor is correct. There is no special diet or vitamin that can eliminate thyroid nodules or thyroid disease.
My niece is 8 and she’s gained a lot of weight since the summer. What’s the best way to treat younger people with thyroid disease?
In order to determine if thyroid disease is contributing to the weight gain, the first step is to have her pediatrician check her thyroid blood tests. If the blood tests are abnormal then she should be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for further evaluation and treatment.
My thyroid is enlarged. The blood tests are always OK. FNA, was OK, however, it’s getting larger. Should I be concerned?
It is encouraging that your blood tests and FNA (fine needle aspiration) have been normal. If the thyroid/nodule is increasing in size, we generally recommend that it be followed with a yearly thyroid ultrasound and if there is significant interval growth, the nodule should be re-biopsied.
Is it necessary to have your thyroid removed if you have swollen nodule? Even though no cancer is detected?
It is not necessary to have your thyroid removed if you have a benign nodule. If the nodule is causing symptoms, such as trouble swallowing, then the portion of the thyroid containing the nodule is sometimes removed to relieve the symptoms. Since most thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms, surgery is rarely needed for benign nodules.
I have thyroid now for more than 18 years and I am 40 years of age and a healthy woman. I noticed a few years now that the palms of my hands and soles of my feet get really red, puffy with a burning sensation. Is this the thyroid and what can I do? I take 175mcg Levothyroxine daily.
If you are taking levothyroxine daily and your thyroid blood tests are normal, your symptoms are not related to your thyroid. I would discuss these symptoms with your primary care doctor as they are not symptoms typical for thyroid disease.
Sometimes my tongue feels too big for my mouth, I get teeth prints on my tongue is this related to thyroid disease? I’m extremely overweight, I eat healthy most of the time, and exercise approximately 3 times per week. I have my thyroid checked often but this runs in both sides of my family.
There are many hormones that contribute to our body weight and thyroid hormone is just one of them. It is good that you have your thyroid checked regularly since thyroid disease runs on both sides of your family. An enlarged tongue is not typically associated with thyroid disease; it may be caused by another hormone disorder in which the body makes too much growth hormone (acromegaly). You can ask your doctor to check a hormone lab test called IGF-1.
Can thyroid issues be hereditary?
Some autoimmune diseases of the thyroid, like Hashimoto’s thyroidits and Graves’ Disease, does run in families. Certain types of thyroid cancer can run in families as well.
Is a blood test the only way to detect thyroid disease, if not what are the other tests?
Yes, a blood test is the only way to detect thyroid disease.
I have had thyroid Disease for 34 years and I was treated with liquid iodine. I am taking Armour Thyroid and has been for the duration. Is it time to change to a different med? My pharmacist said the side effects have changed. What do you suggest?
I would get specific medical advice from your doctor but generally endocrinologists prefer to replace thyroid hormone using levothyroxine.
Is there any way to improve your health if you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
It is important to take your thyroid hormone replacement daily (levothyroxine). A regular exercise routine (3-5 days/week for at least 30 minutes) and healthy diet (getting 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily) are important components for supporting your overall health.
I have a goiter. Can I have it removed?
Yes, a goiter can be removed if it is causing symptoms, especially trouble breathing or swallowing.
Can thyroid problem cause hair loss? I am a woman and my hair is thinning. I find hair, on my pillow, in the sink, all over my house.
Yes, an overactive or underactive thyroid can cause the hair to become brittle and contribute to hair loss. You should have your thyroid hormone levels checked.
If your thyroid hormone levels are normal, then the hair loss may be from other causes which can be evaluated by a dermatologist.
I’ve had a biopsy, nuclear medicine test as well as an ultra sound. All were negative for cancer yet I have a goiter lump. Is surgery the only option?
If the nodule is still bothering you and causing symptoms then surgical removal is the only option.
For additional information, please visit the American Thyroid Association website:
Dr. Sherita Hill Golden is the Hugh P. McCormick Family Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Executive Vice-Chair of the Department of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
She holds joint appointments in the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and in the Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality.
She was Director of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Inpatient Glucose Management Program from 2003-2018. In the community, Dr. Golden is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Co-Directs the Health Ministry with her husband at Clearview Baptist Church in Woodlawn, MD.
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