Dear Drs. Donohue and Roach: I came across a website that said an underactive thyroid can cause some of the problems that have plagued me for quite a few years. Some of the symptoms listed were hair loss, tiredness, inability to lose weight despite healthy diet and exercise, gravelly voice and many others. After checking off all the things that applied to me, it said I have a 65 per cent chance of having an underactive thyroid. I don't believe my doctor has ever checked my thyroid. Is this something I should ask for?
They also recommended a supplement called "iodine plus 2." Do you think this supplement is safe? Would you recommend it?
U.F.
Answer: You make a very good case for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are very common conditions, though hypothyroid is more so. You absolutely should get checked.
I would not recommend an iodine supplement. Get the thyroid test done first. A borderline overactive thyroid paradoxically can have very similar symptoms to underactive thyroid. Iodine can turn it into a hyperactive thyroid emergency.
Dear Drs. Donohue and Roach: Is it OK to do the same set of weightlifting exercises twice a day? For instance, morning and evening? Also, how much time should I allow between finishing my evening exercises and bedtime?
D.R.
Answer: Because muscles need time to heal and grow after an intense workout, multiple sets of exercises of the same group at different times of the same day generally is not encouraged.
As far as exercise and bedtime, I'd recommend at least an hour between the two. Most people actually gain energy from their exercise regimen, so you might have a tough time getting to sleep right after evening exercise.
Dear Drs. Donohue and Roach: My husband says vitamins and supplements do not expire. He has pills from 1996. He says it's the manufacturer's way of making you toss them and buy more. I say they lose their effect and are a placebo or possibly harmful. Some insight would be helpful.
W.T.T.
Answer: You're right; he's wrong. While manufacturers ensure that their products are safe until expiration, certainly one year after expiration is too long. Sixteen years after expiration, I would think that "dangerous" would not be too strong a term.
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