HOW DOES ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE AFFECT THE THYROID GLAND? By Olumide Tunde-Sanya

 I mentor at Howard County General Hospital with Dr. Naglieri, an Endocrinologist.  I will be discussing the following… -My research -The Goal of my research -My project

The Endocrine System  System of glands located in the body that produce hormones that regulate body functions.  Controls growth, metabolism, and sexual development.  Chemicals that transfer information between cells to coordinate the functions of different parts of the body. Marieb, Elaine N., and Katja Hoehn. "The Endocrine System." Human Anatomy & Phsyiology. 7th ed. San Francisco: Pearson- Benjamin Cummings, Print.

Thyroid Gland  Located in lower part of the neck  Produces hormones which help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working normally.  Tells organs how quickly or slowly they should work.  Regulates the use of oxygen and the production of heat. Marieb, Elaine N., and Katja Hoehn. "The Endocrine System." Human Anatomy & Phsyiology. 7th ed. San Francisco: Pearson- Benjamin Cummings, Print.

Thyroid Nodule  A lump in or on the thyroid gland.  Detected in about 6.4% of women and 1.5% of men.  50% of the population will have nodules at some point in their lives  Possibility of cancer or other diseases, but fortunately, most are benign.  Some thyroid nodules may produce too much thyroid hormone or become too large, interfering with breathing or swallowing or causing neck discomfort. "Thyroid Nodule." American Thyroid Association. N.p., 4 June Web. 28 Oct

Thyroid Diseases  There are many types of thyroid diseases  Two most common diseases are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms: -Fatigue -Mental depression -Sluggishness -Feeling cold -Weight gain -Hair Loss -Constipation -Menstrual irregularities Brent, Gregory. "Environmental Exposures and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease." Thyroid 20.7 (2010): Rpt. in Thyroid. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms: - Muscle weakness -Trembling hands -Rapid heartbeat -Fatigue -Weight loss -Diarrhea or recurrent bowel movements -Irritability and anxiety -Exothalmus -Menstrual irregularities -Intolerance to heat -Infertility Brent, Gregory. "Environmental Exposures and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease."Thyroid 20.7 (2010): Rpt. in Thyroid. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Endocrine Disruptors  Chemicals that can potentially interfere with the function of endocrine systems  Can be man-made such as pesticides and plasticizers, or can be natural chemicals found in the environment.  Mimics the body’s natural hormones, causing the body to react oddly, or could block the release of hormones Schmutzler, Cornelia, Peter J. Hofmann, and Gabor Kovacs. "Endocrine Disruptors and the Thyroid Gland." Environmental Health Perspective. N.p.: n.p., n.d PMC. Web. 17 Oct

Examples There are many chemicals that have been identified as endocrine disruptors. Although several are in the environment, many can be commonly found in household items such as plastics, detergents, cosmetics, bleaches, shampoos, and flame retardants. Boas, Malene, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, and Niels E. Skakkebeak. "Environmental Chemicals and Thyroid Function." European Journal of Endocrinology 154 (2006): Eje-Online. Web. 3 Oct

Issue  Lack of awareness of endocrine disruptors has lead to an increase in the diagnosis of several thyroid diseases, especially thyroid cancer.  Becoming a major public health issue  Numerous body regulations, such as metabolism and even cognitive function can be greatly impaired. "Thyroid Hormone and Brain Development." Thyroid (2003): Print. Boas, Malene, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, and Niels E. Skakkebeak. "Environmental Chemicals and Thyroid Function." European Journal of Endocrinology 154 (2006): Eje-Online. Web. 3 Oct

Goal  Increase the understanding of the risks of environmental exposure on the thyroid gland.  What can we do to reduce our exposure to endocrine disruptors?

Quote “I am I plus my surroundings and if I do not preserve the latter, I do not preserve myself” -Jose Ortega Y Gasset

Works Cited  Marieb, Elaine N., and Katja Hoehn. "The Endocrine System." Human Anatomy & Phsyiology. 7th ed. San Francisco: Pearson- Benjamin Cummings, Print  "Endocrine Primer." Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program. Environmental Protection agency, 11 Aug Web. 10 Oct  Brent, Gregory. "Environmental Exposures and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease." Thyroid 20.7 (2010): Rpt. in Thyroid. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.  Boas, Malene, Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, and Niels E. Skakkebeak. "Environmental Chemicals and Thyroid Function." European Journal of Endocrinology 154 (2006): Eje-Online. Web. 3 Oct  Schmutzler, Cornelia, Peter J. Hofmann, and Gabor Kovacs. "Endocrine Disruptors and the Thyroid Gland." Environmental Health Perspective. N.p.: n.p., n.d PMC. Web. 17 Oct  "Thyroid Nodule." American Thyroid Association. N.p., 4 June Web. 28 Oct  "Thyroid Hormone and Brain Development." Thyroid (2003): Print.