Posted by
Thyroid Peroxidase Test

Thyroid Peroxidase Test

What is thyroid peroxidase? Picture of the thyroid gland. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme made in the thyroid gland that is important in the production of thyroid hormone. TPO is found in thyroid follicle cells where it converts the thyroid hormone T4 to T3. The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of […]

Posted by
Tips and more to help curb binge eating

Tips and more to help curb binge eating

Binge eating is the consumption of a large amount of food in a short time. A person who binge eats may feel unable to control the type or amount of food that they eat. Binge eating can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and depression. People who binge eat at least once a week for […]

Posted by
Graves’ Disease

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease facts Picture of Graves’ Disease Graves’ disease facts written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid that results from abnormal stimulation of the thyroid gland by a material in the blood referred to as thyroid stimulating immunoglobins (TSIs) that bind to and activate thyrotropin receptors. […]

Posted by

What to know about pica

Pica refers to when a person craves or eats nonfood items, such as paint chips or sand. Most medical guides classify pica as an eating disorder. Some women may develop pica during pregnancy. People with pica crave or eat a wide variety of nonfood items. Many will crave a specific type of item. Common cravings […]

Posted by
methimazole, Tapazole

methimazole, Tapazole

What is methimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methimazole is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Grave’s disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disease resulting from antibodies that attach to receptors on thyroid hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland and trigger overproduction of […]

Posted by
Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

What causes hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a very common condition. Approximately 3% to 4% of the U.S. population has some form of hypothyroidism. This type of thyroid disorder is more common in women than in men, and its incidence increases with age. Examples of common causes of hypothyroidism in adults include Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune form […]

Posted by
liothyronine sodium, Cytomel, Triostat

liothyronine sodium, Cytomel, Triostat

What is liothyronine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic (man-made) version of one of the two hormones made by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine. It is used for treating individuals who are hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells […]

Posted by
Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

What causes hyperthyroidism? Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include: Graves’ Disease Functioning adenoma and toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) Excessive intake of thyroid hormones Abnormal secretion of TSH Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) Excessive iodine intake Graves’ disease Graves’ disease, which is caused by a generalized overactivity of the thyroid gland, and is the most […]