Thyroid Meds, HRT, Steroids

Thyroid Meds Cretinism from childhood iodine deficiency leading to underactive thyroid gland In adults, hypothyroidism common post partum leading to weight gain, lethargy Low iodine in adults also leads to goiter Graves disease is OVER active thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

For underactive thyroid Usually for females, gaining weight post partum and middle aged, slow metabolisms Also due to excessive radiation so guard neck areas in x rays! Commonly under diagnosed

Thyroid meds T3 T4 tests for thyroid function for thyroxin levels MEDS: Sythyroid, Thyrolar, Armour Thyroid extract All oral and must be taken for life!

Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) Often caused by tumor Overproduction of thyroxin Exopthalmos (pop eyes) Tachycardia Meds: radioactive iodine granules

HRT Estrogen replacement tx: Post menopausal females, insomnia, sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, irritibility EX: Premarin, Prempro, Climara, tablets or patches for all, are cyclic so use in order of packet dispensing All are estrogens

Progesterone replacement Not for menopause like estrogens but for period problems like dysmenorrhea, irregularity, etc. Ex. : Norplant, Provera. Norplant is implanted to regulate period,Provera is a tablet. Also used for birth control

BCPs Usually combine estrogens and progesterones Suppress ovulation by having progesterone present fooling body into thinking its pregnant NO smoking, elevated thrombus risk!!! CVA, MI, etc. weight gain, depression Clears acne

Yasmin, NuvaRing, ortho Evra, Demulen,Estrostep,OrthoTricyclen, Interactions with other drugs common like: Decrease effectiveness of many antibiotics or of the birth control pills so no antibiotics with BCPs or get pregnant. Many other meds decrease effectiveness of BCPS like antifungals, nausea pills, cortisone

Emergency BCPs Plan B (norgestrel), Ovrette, Lunellel, Depo Provera,

Osteoporosis Meds Fosamax (alendronate) and Evista (Raloxifene) Nauseating to some, should be taken with a lot of water and don’t lie down to prevent esophageal burning, now come in inhalant forms to avoid stomach bleeding