Is a condition that is affected by problems in the endocrine system .

The thyroid is at the center of concern as decreased amounts of thyroid hormone are produced.

It is also referred to as an underactive 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

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 decreased TSH hormone which stimulates the thyroid
     -    Tertiary   -   Hypothalmus origin  -  Causes:   Decrease in thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) – which 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

Blood work to determine levels of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
High levels show decreased amounts of thyroid hormones

T3 and T4 also need to be checked [free and total]

Treatment

Levothroxine
.         Levothroid
.         Levoxyl
.         Synthroid
.         Unithroid