Thyroid For Dummies
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You can take action to improve your thyroid health. If you're concerned that you have — or may have — a problem with your thyroid, you should bear in mind the following advice:

  • If thyroid disease runs in your family, ask your doctor about screening for thyroid diseases at appropriate intervals.

  • If you have a thyroid problem, check your thyroid function during times of major body changes, such as pregnancy.

  • Make sure you get enough iodine in your diet, especially if you're vegetarian.

  • If you've taken thyroid hormone replacement for several years to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid function), ask your doctor if you can try stopping treatment to see if your thyroid can function without it.

  • If you still experience symptoms of hypothyroidism while taking hormone replacement pills, ask your doctor if you can try taking both types of thyroid hormone (T4 and T3), although this is controversial.

  • Remember that some medications can interact with thyroid hormones.

  • Protect your thyroid from radiation. If your neck has had exposure to radiation in the past, ensure your doctor knows that.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Alan L. Rubin, MD, has had a private practice specializing in thyroid disorders and diabetes for nearly three decades. A member of the Endocrine Society, he speaks regularly on thyroid health.

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