Food allergies drastically change eating habits

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently underwent an endoscopy. My doctor wanted to check things out because I have acid reflux (which is currently under control with Protonix). From the biopsies taken, I was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis. My doctor said this was caused by a food allergy and recommended test.

I went to an allergist and tested mildly positive to wheat, soy and oat. I have been advised to avoid these foods due to the long-term effects they will have on my esophagus, which apparently already has rings on it.

I am also hypothyroid (taking Synthroid) due to Hashimoto’s which, as you know, is an autoimmune disorder. I have been reading recently about a possible connection between allergies causing havoc with the immune system and Hashimoto’s. [Read more...]

Prednisone can be harmful

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am hoping you can give me some information about the treatment for colitis. I am a 49-year-old woman. Twenty-two years ago I was diagnosed with lupus which I kept under control with 5 mg of prednisone daily. After the birth of my son 10 years ago, I developed hypothyroidism and now take 100 mcg of Levoxyl daily.

My current rheumatologist thinks that my lupus is actually an undetermined autoimmune disease which has probably caused my thyroid problem and now the colitis that I’m struggling with which seems to be getting worse. I’ve been hospitalized twice because of it in the past five years. I am currently taking 10 mg of prednisone daily to try to keep it under control but my gastro doctor wants to get me off it completely because I have been taking it for so many years. This is where my problem comes in. I have tried sulfasalazine, Entocort and azathioprine to [Read more...]

Can it be Grave’s if the tests are normal?

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am desperate! I have all the symptoms of Grave’s disease, including a medium-sized multi-nodular goiter (which has been biopsied and the results were benign); but in spite of seeing numerous doctors, including three endocrinologists, they say I do NOT have it because my blood tests fall “within normal” range!! I am having a difficult time functioning in my day-to-day activities and am praying you can help me.

DEAR READER: Graves’ disease is hyperthyroidism, a disorder of the immune system that causes the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Normal thyroid function is regulated by a hormone released by the pituitary gland. The antibody associated with Graves’ disease, thyrotropin receptor antibody (more simply known as TRAb), has the ability to mimic the action of the pituitary hormone and essentially overrides normal regulation of the thyroid gland, [Read more...]

January – Thyroid Awareness

The month of January is designated to recognize thyroid disorders — a condition that affects approximately 59 million individuals in the United States.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, just above the collarbone. When a person has a thyroid condition, the body uses energy faster or slower than it should. When the gland is too active, a person is known to have hyperthyroidism; too slowly, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. A malfunctioning gland can affect almost every aspect of a person’s health, contributing to an increased risk for hair loss, heart disease, obesity, depression, muscle and joint pain, and even infertility.

There are a number of possible causes for either situation to occur. Simply stated, treatment is aimed at resetting the body’s metabolism to a normal level.

Let’s begin with hyperthyroidism that results from an over-production of thyroid hormones. This can result from Graves’ disease where the immune system attacks the gland, causing it to enlarge; subacute thyroiditis where the gland leaks excess hormones; pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths within the thyroid gland which are less common; and benign tumors that secrete thyroid hormones. The hair and skin become extremely susceptible. With hyperthyroidism, extensive hair loss can occur. The skin can also become fragile and thin. New-onset panic attacks, fatigue, diarrhea and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be linked.

Conditions of hypothyroidism can be caused by such things as surgical removal of the gland, Hashimoto’s, exposure to excessive amounts of iodide such as can be found in over-the-counter sinus and cold medications, X-ray contrast dyes, amiodarone prescribed for cardiac conditions; and the use of lithium. Hair can become brittle, fall out easily and become coarse and dry. Skin might become thick, dry and scaly. Depression, fatigue and insomnia are relatively common. Constipation that rarely existed prior may also be an issue.

Cholesterol levels may rise and might not respond to diet modification, cholesterol-lowering medication or a program of exercise.

A person may unsuccessfully step up physical activity with a thyroid condition in an attempt to keep weight under control. Unexplained modifications — despite dietary changes — may be attributed to a thyroid condition, perhaps even one that has yet to be diagnosed by a physician.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above and have not had your thyroid checked by your physician, be sure to have him or her include it during your next visit. You may be glad you did.

Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Report “Thyroid Disorders” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order to my attention at PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title when writing or click on the “Health Report and Book Order Form” category in the gray bar on my home page.

Hashimoto’s disease puzzles reader

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have just been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease. I’ve been treated for hypothyroidism for three years and also have a calcification in my thyroid gland. What is Hashimoto’s, and how is it treated? Please advise.

DEAR READER: Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system incorrectly attacks the thyroid gland at the base of the neck. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) known in the United States and affects middle-aged women more than men and children. Age, heredity and sex may play a role in determining why some people acquire the disorder and others do not.
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Thoughts on hypothyroidism testing

DEAR DR. GOTT: Quite a while ago, you published a letter from a person who inquired about whether he or she should be treated for hypothyroidism with a TSH level of 6.7.

Hypothyroidism is rampant in my family. I think it is important to identify the consequences of untreated hypothyroidism, which include a greater likelihood of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and early-onset dementia.

Also, it is worthwhile to note that the European standards for diagnosing hypothyroidism are much narrower than in this country. In Europe if a person’s TSH is higher than two, he or she is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. If it is between one and two, the person may have it. If it is less than one, the person definitely does not have it.
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Is hypothyroidism linked to high cholesterol?

DEAR DR. GOTT: My cholesterol is very high. I cannot tolerate any of the statins. I’ve been on many and have problems with pain and weakness in my legs.

I also have an underactive thyroid, for which I take Synthroid. I have read in different medical books that hypothyroid disease is a cause of high cholesterol. I am trying to eat right (fruits and vegetables, no red meat, low salt and no cheese). I exercise. Is there anything else I can do to help this serious problem? Please help me!

DEAR READER: Hypothroidism causes decreased metabolic activity and has been linked with elevated blood levels of cholesterol, and particularly in those people [Read more...]

Recent articles can be found on website

DEAR DR. GOTT: Some time ago, you had an article in my local newspaper about an underactive thyroid. I cut it out and was happy to finally get some information about the thyroid gland.

I found out my son is borderline, and I wanted to give him the article but I put it away so good I can’t find it.
I’m 88 years old and have had an underactive thyroid for 40 years. I’m doing great. Thank you.

DEAR READER: Try having your son log onto my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com. In the search bar at the top right of the home page, he should type in “underactive thyroid.” The article should pop up for his review. Good luck.

Left-sided body sweats

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m a 58-year-old female who only sweats on the left side of my body. I believe it started four years ago, when I awoke with my nose red, swollen and throbbing badly. After suffering for two days, I finally went to a doctor who wanted me to have an IV of Levaquin, but with no insurance, I chose it orally for 14 days. After that is when I noticed sweating on my left side only.

I get so extremely hot when I work outside or exercise that it takes me a long time to cool back down. The only medicine I take is Synthroid for hypothyroidism. I would appreciate any information you can provide.
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Medical jargon baffles patient

DEAR DR. GOTT: The results of my thyroid ultrasound reveal abnormal echogenicity of the right lobe without a discrete lesion identified within the thyroid gland. I have been taking 25 micrograms of thyroid medication since May. The goiter on the right side of my neck is noticeable. On May 21, my TSH was 4.53. In July, it was 3.5. Can you please explain the ultrasound results in English? Should I ask my doctor for an increase in my Synthroid dosage or wait for the next lab work in October?

DEAR READER: The thyroid gland is situated in the lower neck — below the larynx and above the collarbone. This gland uses iodine to make hormones essential for the proper function of every cell in the body. [Read more...]