Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism: It is also known as Myxedema. Hypothyroidism is associated when thyroid glands does not make enough thyroid hormones. This disease is commonly found in old aged women.

Number of health disorders can be developed in case of untreated hypothyroidism. There is good news that Thyroid function tests and diagnosis have improved in recent year. In addition, natural treatment is simple and effective to treat hypothyroidism.

Causes of hypothyroidism:

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are main hormones made by thyroid gland. They help to control the body temperature. The amount of calcium in blood may be regulated by calcitonin hormone which is also made by thyroid gland. Sometimes, thyroid gland fails to make enough hormones. This condition is associated due to lack of hormones.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease is the main cause of hypothyroidism. Surgical removal of thyroid gland, inflammatory health problems, congenital defects and irradiation of the gland are other causes of hypothyroidism. Sometimes, it is caused by deficiency of iodine.

Symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism:

• Excessive weight
• Heavy body weight
• Thin and brittle hair
• Weakness and paleness
• Depression
• Severe muscle pain
• Excessive fatigue
• Noisy breathing
• Problems in menstrual periods
• Less taste and smell
• Dry face, hands and feet

Risk factors:

• Close relative with an autoimmune disease
• Anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine method
• Thyroid surgery
• Diabetes

When to seek medical advice

If you have signs and symptoms of this disease such as hoarse voice, dry face, fatigue, anxiety etc., go to the doctor immediately. If you have treated thyroid surgery with anti-thyroid medications, go to your health care provider as soon as possible. Person with high blood cholesterol may be needed to see his/ her doctor.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism:

Physical examination and family history will be recommended by endocrinologists to detect the condition. Laboratory tests such as T4 test, chest X-ray and serum TSH will be performed by the doctor to determine hypothyroidism. Blood tests and TSH tests will be performed by the doctor to measure the level of thyroid hormone thyroxine and TSH.

Complications:

• Heart problems
• Birth defects
• Infertility
• Mental health issues
• Goiter
• myxedema

Treatment:

Oral medications are effective and may help to restores the level of adequate hormones. Treatment with levothyroxine is used for long term periods. Levels of TSH will be examined by the doctor after two or three months. After examined the levels of TSH, right dosage of levothyroxine will be determined.

Small amount of medication and dosage may be started by the health care provider in case of severe hypothyroidism. There are no side effects of levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is effective and inexpensive. Use products that contain triiodothyronine and thyroxine such as Bio-throid and Armour Thyroid Hormone to treat the disease.