What happens now? This information leaflet explains about the transition process and what it will mean for you. What is transition? This describes the process of planning, preparing and moving on from children’s health care to adult health care. Transition is a gradual process. It gives everyone time to talk about what health care you will need as an adult …
Read moreThyroid lumps
20th October 2016What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a gland at the base of your neck, just below your ‘Adam’s apple’, near your windpipe. It makes thyroid hormones, which are chemical messengers produced by your glands and carried in the blood. Thyroid hormones control the body’s metabolism (use of energy), which is important to keep the brain, heart, muscles and other …
Read moreThe 3 different treatments for an overactive thyroid
20th October 2016Treatment options Treatment Cannot use if Advantages Disadvantages Tablets carbimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU) You have had a severe reaction to one of these drugs Quite quick to work (4-6 weeks) Sudden swings in thyroid hormone level unlikely Painless 12-18 months course of tablets Thyroid overactivity comes back in 60-70% of patients after treatment. 10% risk of rash or other minor side-effects …
Read moreSussex pituitary multidisciplinary team
20th October 2016We are a team of health care professionals who work together to provide specialised care for patients with pituitary problems in Sussex. What is the pituitary? The pituitary is a small gland just below the brain which sends out ‘chemical messenger’ hormones to regulate and control several other glands in different parts of the body (e.g. thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes). …
Read moreShort synacthen test
20th October 2016Why do I need this test? Your doctor has recommended that you take this test to help with the diagnosis and management of your condition. Please read this carefully and ask us about anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. What is the purpose of the test?The test checks your body’s ability to make a …
Read moreRadioiodine treatment for an over-active thyroid gland
20th October 2016What is radioiodine treatment? Radioiodine is a form of iodine that is radioactive. It is given as a tablet or capsule and is used to treat thyroid glands that are over-active or very large. Most of the radioactivity is taken up by the over-active thyroid, where it damages the gland, slowing down the production of thyroid hormone and causing it …
Read morePregnancy and hypothyroidism
20th October 2016What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism means an underactive thyroid gland, which does not make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a gland in the front of the neck which makes thyroid hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by your glands and carried in the blood. Thyroid hormone controls the body’s metabolism (how your body uses and stores energy). What are the …
Read morePentagastrin test
20th October 2016Why do I need this test? Your doctor has recommended this test to help with the diagnosis / management of your condition. Please read the following information carefully. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. What is the purpose of the test? This test is used in the diagnosis and …
Read moreLow dose overnight dexamethasone suppression test
20th October 2016Why do I need this test?Your doctor has recommended that you take this test to help with the diagnosis and the management of your condition. Please would you read this carefully and ask us about anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. What is the purpose of the test?This test will help us to know …
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