Hypothyroidism
Also known as underactive thyroid or low
thyroid
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What is
Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive
thyroid or "low thyroid." As these names imply, the condition
results from the underproduction of thyroid hormones.
An "underactive" or "hypoactive" thyroid is
often characterized by sluggishness or listlessness. Weight
gain and irregular infrequent menstruation in women are also
typical.
If it is untreated, hypothyroidism can cause a
condition known as a myxedema coma, which is a rare but
sometimes fatal condition.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune
disorder in which the body attacks and damages thyroid tissue,
which leads to lower hormone production.
Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous for
newborns and infants because it can lead to the mental
retardation and stunted growth. In the United States, the
thyroid levels of infants is usually checked soon after birth.
If levels are low, treatment begins immediately.
Hypothyroidism can usually be diagnosed with a
simple blood test.
Hypothyroidism causes
Causes of hypothyroidism include:
Loss of tissue When hyperthyroidism is treated
with radiation, tissue destruction may occur. Surgical removal
of thyroid tissue can also cause hypothyroidism.
Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide These
can be found in cold and sinus medicines, a heart medication
known as amiodarone, or certain contrast dyes given before some
X-rays.
Lithium This drug is often used to treat
manic-depression. But one believed that one of it's side
effects can be hyperthyroidism.
Antithyroid antibodies People who have
diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic hepatitis
may have antibodies that cause decreased thyroid hormone
production.
Congenital factors Hypothyroidism can appear at
birth, but thanks to a nationwide infant screening program it
is usually diagnosed and treated quickly.
Thyroid hormone production deficiencies This
consition usually results in a goiter, which is an enlargement
of the thyroid gland itself. A goiter is often visible as
swelling in the front of the neck.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
The body's requires a certain level of thyroid
hormone production to maintain energy levels. Therefore, as
mentioned above, fatigue, sluggishness a general lack of energy
are typical symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
Symptoms vary somewhat by age. Infants will
exhibit the following:
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Symptoms in adults could include
-
fatigue and exhaustion
-
low tolerance to cold temperatures
-
constipation
-
carpal tunnel syndrome
-
lack of appetite
-
increased weight
-
dry skin
-
hair loss
-
a reduction of intellectual ability
-
deeper, hoarse voice
-
puffiness around the eyes
-
depression
Hypothyroisism treatment
Generally speaking, hypothyroidism is
relatively simple and to treat for most patients. Simply taking
a thyroid hormone pill known as Levothyroxine once a day will
relieve symptoms. Levothyroxine is a pure synthetic made in a
laboratory and is formulated to be an exact replacement for a
key hormone known as T4. It's important, of course, to
determine a proper dosage. This can be done by working with
your doctor.
Some patients will notice improvement in as
little as a week or two, but it's often about a month before
the patient begins to feel normal. Once hypothyroidism has
begun, it often continues for the rest of the patient's
life.
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