i am wondering about a 2nd opinion on a under active thyroid. my family dr . has me on synthroid medication 0.10 mg. he says my thyroid is very large. since i have been on the medication for a week i have been extemely dizzy and light headed. is this medication a strong dosage. i have always had a abnormal thyroid only to the touch it has never been this large. recently i have had a baby and i am nursing. will this medication hurt the baby? will it effect my milk coming in? should i worry? i would appreciate your response. thank you very much
Reply: ------------------------------
The most common thyroid problem is known as euthyroid goiter. This condition is characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland with normal thyroid hormone levels in the blood stream. It may be initially that the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone for a variety of reasons. When the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormone, a hormone secreted by the brain (TSH), is secreted in increasing quantities in order to stimulate increased thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland. TSH also stimulates enlargement of the gland itself and therefore goiter develops. Such simple goiters may develop in adolescence or early adulthood - it is not uncommon for thyroid enlargement to first become noted during pregnancy. A common treatment measure is to prescribe thyroid hormone medication such as synthroid. This is designed to supply the body with an adequate amount of thyroid hormone as well as to trigger a reduction in the secretion of TSH. The decrease in TSH secretion then theoretically will prevent further enlargement of the goiter. When a patient is started on synthroid or generic thyroid medication, there is a period of time necessary for adjustment (often a several week period)- the medication must be titrated on an individual basis according to individual physiology. During this time there may be symptoms of either inadequate thyroid hormone or excess hormone. The titration of the hormone medication is determined by periodic measurement of the TSH level in most instances.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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