DEAR DOCTOR K: My doctor thinks I may have hypothyroidism. How will he make the diagnosis?
DEAR READER: Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid. Some conditions are hard to diagnose, but fortunately hypothyroidism is not one of them.
DEAR DOCTOR K: I have hypothyroidism and take synthetic thyroid hormone. Is it OK to switch brands or switch to a generic?
DEAR READER: It's OK to switch, so long as your doctor monitors your thyroid blood tests. It is very important to get your dose right: Your thyroid gland influences your metabolism. It affects everything from body temperature to body weight, energy level, even fertility.
DEAR DOCTOR K: My best friend was just diagnosed with Graves' disease. I'd like to understand the condition and what her treatment will entail.
DEAR READER: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease that can affect the thyroid gland, eyes and skin. In almost all cases, it causes the thyroid gland to be overactive. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, close to the Adam's apple. It produces hormones that control how our bodies use energy.
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Dr. Anthony Komaroff is a practicing physician, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications. Learn more »
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