2020 is the ATF’s 25th

Anniversary Year!

Hypothyroidism (Under active Thyroid) & Hashimoto's Disease

Hypothyroidism (Under active Thyroid) is more common in women than men, with estimates that 10 times more women than men are affected. Hypothyroidism is usually gradually progressive with symptoms increasing as thyroid function deteriorates.

Hashimoto’s Disease – Thyroid Auto-immune Disease, usually causes hypothyroid symptoms, however it is possible for Hashimoto symptoms to swing between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Treatment for hypothyroidism is Levothyroxine replacement therapy.

Read more

Hyperthyroidism, Graves' Disease & Thyroid Eye Disease

Hyperthyroidism, or Graves’ Disease, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is triggered by the immune system producing antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland to increase the size of the gland and produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement, with synthetic Levothyroxine. Brands in Australia are Oroxine (Original) Eutroxsig (Generic) both of these brands need to be refrigerated at all times. Eltroxin (Original) does not need to be refrigerated. Eltroxin has 10% less active ingredient than both Oroxine and Eutroxsig. Therefore, if you change brands to Eltroxin, dose adjustment, may be necessary and regular thyroid function testing. Eltroxin is not available on PBS. Choice of brand is individual and should be decided with your thyroid treating doctor. All brands are made by Aspen Pharmaceuticals. It is not recommended to interchange brands or take two different brands to complete a daily dose requirement. 

Read more

Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid Cancer develops when thyroid cells divide in an abnormal way into one of the four types of thyroid cancer – Papillary, Follicular, Medullary and Anaplastic.

Read more

Congenital Hyperthyroidism

Congenital Hypothyroidism usually results when a baby is born without a thyroid gland, but there are many other causes of this disorder.

Read more

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Nodules are lumps in the Thyroid Gland.  In most cases nodules will be benign. However 1 in 10 may be malignant (cancerous). Nodules may be either a “Single Nodule” or in clusters, often referred to as “Multi-Nodular Goitre".

Read more

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine Deficiency is the commonest worldwide cause of thyroid disorders.  A low iodine diet can cause hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) and can affect fertility.

Read more

Parathyroid Gland

Exposure to Radiation at a young age from dental x-rays, other forms of x-rays are the main causes in Australia of radiation exposure which can affect the function of the thyroid gland.  

Read more

Exposure to Radiation

Exposure to Radiation at a young age from dental x-rays, other forms of x-rays are the main causes in Australia of radiation exposure which can affect the function of the thyroid gland.

Thyroid & Pregnancy

The ATF recommend all women of childbearing age should be aware of their thyroid function levels, family thyroid history and daily iodine intake, Thyroid function and auto-immune disease testing is recommended to rule out a thyroid disorder during this life stage.

Read more