Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3785 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I recently had a check up at a women's health centre. Within a few minutes of meeting 2 x doctors they both broke eye contact and stared at my throat. They began asking me a series of question have I gained or lost weight. Do I feel the cold or heat more than others. Am I lethargic. I was a little a taken back and said no to their questions. On second thoughts I experience hot flushes frequently and get the shakes quite frequently. I have always struggled to keep within a health weight range. Should I be tested for thyroid problems? And if I drink frequently would it be best to abstain from alcohol before assuming that I have a thyroid concern? Anonymous
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment3 Comments
If it will make you more comfortable, do abstain from alcohol. I do not know if a month is necessary. Do get all the thyroid testing though. If there is anything that has to be taken care of medically, the soon you get started the better.
February 18, 2012 - 2:47pmTake care
Elaine
This Comment
You mention that the doctors stared at your throat. Is there a visible swelling at the base of your neck? Is this what the doctors were focusing on?
If so, this is a goiter, which is a condition that happens when the thyroid gland grows larger than normal. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck.
The most common cause of goiter worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. In countries, where most people use iodized salt, goiter is mostly due to the over production (hyperthyroidism) or under production (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones.
You should have a blood test to determine the amount of hormones produced by your thyroid and pituitary glands. Additionally testing includes ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
It would be wise to abstain from consuming alcohol until you have had these tests.
Maryann
February 17, 2012 - 7:02pmThis Comment
Thank you for your quick reply. I do not think it is a goiter as whatever it was that they could see I have never noticed a visible lump nor do I know notice a lump now. I agree with abstaining from alcohol but is there any way that the concerns I have could be soley related to alcohol and not necessarily a thyroid problem? I understand that I need to be tested but thought it may be sensible to abstain from alcohol for a month before jumping to thyroid tests??
February 17, 2012 - 7:11pmThis Comment