Yes. Also, don't do drugs.
s/f,
usmcecho4
http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a562455.pdf
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AEROMEDICAL CONCERNS: The insidious onset of many signs and symptoms of
hypothyroidism reduces the aviator's ability to recognize abnormalities. It can foster
complacency or an unwillingness to seek medical advice until performance is significantly
degraded. Fatigue, lethargy, muscle weakness, decreased cognitive function, motor weakness,
delayed reflexes, bradycardia, first degree heart block, cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion,
depression, sensorineural hearing loss and anemia are all complications relevant to aviation. The
flight surgeon must know and observe their aviators for the subtle onset of any of these signs and
symptoms.
WAIVER: A history of hypothyroidism is CD for all DIF. Applicants for SNA and SNFO are
CD, no waiver recommended. All other categories of applicants will be considered on a case-bycase
basis. A waiver for designated personnel may be recommended for uncomplicated
hypothyroidism when the patient is clinically and chemically euthyroid on a stable dose of
replacement levothyroxine (at least 6 weeks), with the TSH stable and in normal range.
INFORMATION REQUIRED:
1. Endocrine or Internal Medicine/Family Practice consultation
2. Serum TSH, T4 and/or free T4 values indicating euthyroidism
3. Annual evaluation of member's thyroid status with thyroid function studies (TSH at a
minimum)
4. Any deviation from euthyroid status shall be submitted to NAMI Code 42
TREATMENT: Synthroid (levothyroxine) use is waiverable in designated personnel.
DISCUSSION: The most common cause of primary hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune
thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis). Other causes include radioactive iodine thyroid gland
ablation, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, and external irradiation. Full dose replacement
with levothyroxine can be instituted immediately in most patients, the exceptions being geriatric
or cardiac patients. The ratio of female to male patients is approximately 5:1.
ICD-9 CODES:
244.8 Acquired hypothyroidism (iatrogenic)
245.0 Acute thyroiditis
245.1 Subacute thyroiditis
245.2 Hashimoto's thyroiditis
245.9 Thyroiditis, unspecified
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