Dr. Theodore Friedman Explains If A Woman Should Have Her Thyroid Checked Every Year
Dr. Friedman should a woman have her thyroid checked every year?
THE THYROID GLAND
The thyroid gland secretes thyroxine (T4) and tri-
iodothyronine (T3), both of which modulate energy
utilization and heat production and facilitate growth.
The gland consists of two lateral lobes joined by an
isthmus. The weight of the adult gland is 10 to 20g.
Microscopically, the thyroid is composed of several fol-
licles containing colloid surrounded by a single layer of
thyroid epithelium. The follicular cells synthesize thy-
roglobulin, which is then stored as colloid. Biosynthesis
of T4and T3occurs by iodination of tyrosine molecules
in thyroglobulin.
MORE ON DR. FRIEDMAN
Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D. has opened a private practice, specializing in treating patients with adrenal, pituitary, thyroid and fatigue disorders. Dr. Friedman has privileges at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Martin Luther King Medical Center.
