DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My daughter was diagnosed recently with a mildly overactive thyroid gland. She is going to have another test in one month. What can be done to bring her thyroid readings to normal without taking medicine for it? What health problems are caused as a result of an overactive gland? — M.M.

ANSWER: The thyroid gland — located in the neck — produces thyroid hormone, a hormone with many functions. At young ages, it fosters growth. It enhances brain activity. It’s involved with the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It keeps body weight on the lean side. It prevents the heart from slowing down. It’s involved with the production of body heat. It keeps cell chemistry perking along at the optimum rate.

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive gland, pushes all the above functions into overdrive. People lose weight in spite of eating more food. The heart races even when people are at rest. Hands tend to shake. At a room temperature comfortable for most, affected people feel hot. The eyes often bulge. Menstrual periods are thrown off their normal cycle.

One of the major causes of an overactive gland is Graves disease. In this condition, the body makes antibodies that stimulate the gland to produce excessive amounts of its hormone. The gland enlarges — becomes a goiter.

I don’t know of a way to treat the gland reliably without resorting to medicines or surgery. Medicines for hyperthyroidism are methimazole or PTU. The medicine chosen is taken for six months to two years and then stopped. If a person relapses, the medicine has to be restarted. Radioactive iodine is another treatment. When people hear the word “radioactive,” they cringe. In the decades and decades of its use, radioactive iodine hasn’t been responsible for cancer. The iodine makes a beeline to the gland and puts it out of commission. It’s similar to having surgery without a scalpel.

Surgical removal of all or part of the gland is the third option for this condition.

The booklet on the thyroid gland explains both an overactive and underactive gland. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Donohue — No. 401, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What can you tell me about hypothyroidism? Does taking iodine help? I hear that taking thyroid hormone is a lifetime commitment. — C.N.

ANSWER: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland that’s putting out way too little thyroid hormone. All body processes slow. People become weak and are exhausted. They’re cold when others are pleasantly warm. They gain weight without overeating. Their skin dries. The face becomes puffy. The heart beats slowly.

Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the main cause of a sluggish thyroid gland. It is not in North America. Here, the main cause is an attack on the gland by the immune system.

The appropriate treatment is supplying the hormone in pill form. It usually is a lifelong treatment, but it’s not an onerous one. It’s taking only one pill a day.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you address Agent Orange? How is it diagnosed? What is the treatment? What is the prognosis? — C.M.

ANSWER: Agent Orange isn’t an illness. It’s a defoliant used during the Vietnam War to deprive the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese of sanctuary in the dense jungle vegetation.

The list of conditions associated from contact with this chemical is long.

If you know of a service man or woman who believes a current or past illness resulted from exposure to Agent Orange, have that person contact the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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