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Thyroid

The thyroid (from the Greek word for "shield", after its shape) is one of the larger endocrine glands in the body. It is a double-lobed structure located in the neck and produces hormones, principally thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), that regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. The hormone calcitonin is also produced and controls calcium blood levels. Iodine is necessary for the production of both hormones. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are the most common problems of the thyroid gland.

Please submit only non-commercial thyroid websites to this area.

Non-English sites need to be submitted to a World category.

Endocrinology practices should be sent to Health/Medicine/Medical_Specialties/Endocrinology/Clinics_and_Practices/

Childhood

Thyroid disorders can occur in childhood. Newborns in most areas are now tested for congenital hypothyroidism, and treated for this problem.

Co-morbid Conditions

Automimmune disorders that occur with increased frequency in patients with thyroid disease include insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, celiac disease, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, dermatitis herpetiformis, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Please submit only articles, studies, or sites that discuss other endocrine diseases that are possibly related or linked to thyroid disorders.

Complications

This area shall be used for articles, studies, and websites dealing with conditions associated or caused by a thyroid disorder.

Please only submit articles, studies, or websites dealing with conditions that are related or caused by Thyroid Disorders to this area.

Diagnostic Tests

There are many different tests that may be done to diagnose a thyroid disorder. Tests include blood samples, ultrasound, a thyroid scan and a biopsy. These tests provide information about the production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, whether there is an enlargement, any nodules or cysts, and indicate how well the thyroid gland is working.

Sites submitted must be in English.

Elderly

Some symptoms of thyroid disorders in older persons, especially those over the age of 60, may be attributed to 'getting older' or dismissed as 'old age'. A blood test, in most cases, can identify a thyroid condition.

Please submit only educational sites, articles, or studies that pertain to seniors and thyroid disorders. Sites must be in English.

Goiter

A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland that is not associated with cancer. There are several kinds that can occur. A simple goiter, which usually occurs when the thyroid gland is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone, may be classified as either an endemic (colloid) goiter or a sporadic (nontoxic) goiter.

Please submit educational sites, articles, or studies about goiters to this area.

Sites submitted must be in English. Sites in another language should be submitted to a proper World category.

Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism is the result. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' Disease. Other causes include thyroiditis, multinodular goiter or a tumor in the pituitary gland, although this last is quite rare.

Sites about hyperthyroidism are welcome here.

Graves'' disease sites should be submitted to Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/Endocrine_Disorders/Thyroid/Hyperthyroid/Graves''_Disease

Sites that sell a product should be submitted to Health/Products_and_Shopping/.

Sites for products or sales of health products should be submitted to Shopping/Health_and_Beauty .

Site must be in the English language. Non-English sites should be submitted to the appropriate category in World.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroid describes a condition in which the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. It can be caused by a sluggish thyroid or as a symptom of autoimmune thyroid disease. Sometimes women experience hypothyroidism as a result of pregnancy.

Please submit only conditions about or related to hypothyroidism to this area.

Nodules

A thyroid nodule or a fluid filled cyst will sometimes be found in the thyroid gland. Additional thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may also be present, although some patients are euthyroid (have normal thyroid hormone levels). There are several treatments available, depending upon the individual's test results. Nodules are rarely cancerous, but a small percentage of single nodules do have a small risk of cancer. These may require surgery. A fluid filled cyst is sometimes aspirated, but seldom needs to be surgically removed.

Please submit only educational sites, articles, or studies pertaining to thyroid nodules. Sites must be in English.

Organizations

Thyroid related associations and foundations for health professionals and patients. They may offer educational materials, support, and group meetings. Some may be non-profit while others may be strictly by membership.

Pregnancy

Thyroid disorders can occur during pregnancy or after delivery. Treatment of thyroid conditions during pregnancy can help to ensure delivery of a healthy baby. After delivery, some new mothers experience thyroid problems, with symptoms that may include feeling tired or depressed. A simple blood test can often identify a thyroid disorder Thyroid disorders can affect fertility as well as the ability to carry a baby to term.

Support Groups

Many of these groups have volunteers who will answer your questions, tell you how to find a local support group in your area, and can provide or suggest reading materials about thyroid disorders. Some have physician referral services as well.

For quicker placement in the directory please follow these Submission Tips:

Title: Name of Site or Organization

Description: This describes the website and should note distinguishing features found on the site without the use of hype, personal pronouns, or repetitive terms.

Thyroiditis

There are several types of thyroiditis and they sometimes can fall under different names. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common. Others include De Quervain's thyroiditis, and silent thyroiditis which often appears within the first 6 months after pregnancy and childbirth. Riedel's thyroiditis is an extremely rare sclerosing disease of unknown aetiology. It is characterised by replacement of the thyroid parenchyma with dense fibrous tissue which extends beyond the thyroid capsule into surrounding structures in the neck. Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis is extremely rare and is caused by a bacterial infection in the thyroid which causes pus to collect and form an abscess within the thyroid gland. The blood test results, symptoms and treatments vary, depending on the type of thyroiditis.

Treatment

Thyroid disorders are treated by medication, radioiodine therapy or surgery, depending on the thyroid problem.

This area is for sites about mainstream treatments of thyroid diseases.

Wilson's Syndrome

Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome is a controversial diagnosis. The condition was first described by Dr. E. Denis Wilson, who identifies this condition as a deficiency in the T3 thyroid hormone, but not T4. The ATA, on the other hand, has found no scientific evidence of so called "Wilsons Syndrome" and calls it a bogus diagnosis.