Hypothyroidism is a common condition faced by millions in the U.S. and around the world. This condition is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, so many more people actually have this condition. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce enough thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When this happens, there are not enough hormones to stimulate the metabolic systems and the processes in the body slow down. Hypothyroidism can occur to people of all ages, race and sexes. Most commonly it occurs in people over fifty years old. Hypothyroidism can be progressive, so it should be treated.
In the later stages of Hypothyroidism, the symptoms worsen and progress. They can include loss of memory, speech problems, drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, and loss of appetite, muscles spasms and more. Not only is it a serious condition itself, but it is linked to other conditions such as increased cholesterol level, heart disease and diabetes
In the later stages of Hypothyroidism, the symptoms worsen and progress. They can include loss of memory, speech problems, drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, and loss of appetite, muscles spasms and more. Not only is it a serious condition itself, but it is linked to other conditions such as increased cholesterol level, heart disease and diabetes
Symptoms of
Hypothyroidism:
There are numerous symptoms of Hypothyroidism. This is one of the reasons it is difficult to diagnose. A "complete" list of symptoms can be found here. The most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:
In the later stages of Hypothyroidism, the symptoms worsen and progress. They can include loss of memory, speech problems, drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, and loss of appetite, muscles spasms and more.
Causes of Hypothyroidism:
As mentioned earlier, Hypothyroidism is a common disease and may occur due to a variety of reasons. These include surgical removal of the all or part of the thyroid glands, chronic stress, Autoimmune Diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and atrophic thyroiditis. Another possible cause is radiation treatment, which tends to harm the thyroid.
Congenital Hypothyroidism, a term used when a child is born without a thyroid gland or has a dysfunctional one is also quite common. Viral or Autoimmune Thyroiditis leads to Hypothyroidism and so does any disease in the Pituitary gland. Certain medications like Lithium and interferon alpha have also been known to cause side-effects causing Hypothyroidism. Other causes may include consuming low or no iodine and infiltration by bacterial agents that harm the thyroid glands.
Hypothyroid Treatment
The most common treatments recommended by doctors is to replace the thyroxine (T4) with a synthetic T4 hormone called levothyroxine. This option is very safe and cost effective. This oral replacement hormone frequently restores the hormone levels and reverses Hypothyroidism symptoms. Although synthetic levothyroxine is most commonly used, a naturally extracted form of thyroid hormone can also be prescribed by your doctor. This drug contains both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In addition, natural treatments to support your thyroid glands are also available, but that depends on the severity of your condition.
Hypothyroidism is treatable disease and with time, medications and precautions, the treatments will bring the symptoms under control and help prevent the progression of the condition. The most important action you must take if you suspect that you have Hypothyroidism is consult your doctor.
There are numerous symptoms of Hypothyroidism. This is one of the reasons it is difficult to diagnose. A "complete" list of symptoms can be found here. The most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism are:
- Physical fatigue/body weakness
- Mental fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain/Difficulty losing weight
- Depression
- Headache
- Memory problems
- Sensitivity to cold
- Heavy/irregular menstrual periods
- Thinning hair
- Constipation
- Muscle/joint pain and stiffness
In the later stages of Hypothyroidism, the symptoms worsen and progress. They can include loss of memory, speech problems, drowsiness, dizziness, memory loss, and loss of appetite, muscles spasms and more.
Causes of Hypothyroidism:
As mentioned earlier, Hypothyroidism is a common disease and may occur due to a variety of reasons. These include surgical removal of the all or part of the thyroid glands, chronic stress, Autoimmune Diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and atrophic thyroiditis. Another possible cause is radiation treatment, which tends to harm the thyroid.
Congenital Hypothyroidism, a term used when a child is born without a thyroid gland or has a dysfunctional one is also quite common. Viral or Autoimmune Thyroiditis leads to Hypothyroidism and so does any disease in the Pituitary gland. Certain medications like Lithium and interferon alpha have also been known to cause side-effects causing Hypothyroidism. Other causes may include consuming low or no iodine and infiltration by bacterial agents that harm the thyroid glands.
Hypothyroid Treatment
The most common treatments recommended by doctors is to replace the thyroxine (T4) with a synthetic T4 hormone called levothyroxine. This option is very safe and cost effective. This oral replacement hormone frequently restores the hormone levels and reverses Hypothyroidism symptoms. Although synthetic levothyroxine is most commonly used, a naturally extracted form of thyroid hormone can also be prescribed by your doctor. This drug contains both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). In addition, natural treatments to support your thyroid glands are also available, but that depends on the severity of your condition.
Hypothyroidism is treatable disease and with time, medications and precautions, the treatments will bring the symptoms under control and help prevent the progression of the condition. The most important action you must take if you suspect that you have Hypothyroidism is consult your doctor.