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Hypothyroidism

Hypothroidism is a condition that affected by problems or changes of the Endocrine System.

Namely a decrease in the function of a part of this system.

The Thyroid is the center of processes such as metabolism, hormone and steroid controls.

In hypothyroidism there is a concern as decreased amounts of thyroid hormone are produced. It is also referred to as an under active thyroid

The thyroid gland found in the neck and is responsible for many hormones involved in the body’s metabolism. The balance of the body is often disturbed leading to several problems.

When the thyroid is “overactive” it is called Hyperthyroidism, which is essentially the opposite of hypothyroidism. Symptoms in this case can be relatively similar or vastly different. Still the thyroid is involved.

Causes:

–  Iodine deficiency
–  Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
–  Absence of Thyroid gland [Thyroid surgery]
–  Problems with hormonal production of thyroid
–  Genetic involvement
–  Radiation
–  Cancer

Types:

Primary

–  Thyroid origin
–  Causes: Radioiodine therapy and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Secondary

–  Pituitary gland origin
–  Causes:  Damage to gland from cancer, surgery, and radiation
–  Causes a decrease TSH hormone which stimulates the thyroid

Tertiary

–  Hypothalmus origin
–  Causes: Decrease in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)
–  Causes the Pituitary gland to produce TSH

Symptoms

–  Fatigue
–  Depression
–  Irritability
–  Constipation
–  Weight gain
–  Water retention
–  Cramping of muscles
–  Joint pain
–  Hair loss
–  Itchiness of skin
–  Goiter
–  Slow heart beat
–  Brittle fingernails and hair

Diagnosis

1.)  Blood work to determine levels of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
2.)  High levels show decreased amounts of thyroid hormones
3.)  T3 and T4 also need to be checked [free and total]

Treatment

Medications

–  The goal of medications is to help balance the abnormal thyroid.

Levothroxine

.  Levothroid
.  Levoxyl
.  Synthroid
.  Unithroid