Hypothyroidism (Under-active Thyroid): Symptoms, causes and treatment

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Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is a health condition that occurs
  when the thyroid gland produces extremely less
  amounts of thyroid hormone. Since the prime
  purpose of thyroid hormone is to maintain bodys
  metabolism levels, patients suffering from
  hypothyroidism have slow metabolism. Women over
  60 are vulnerable to hypothyroidism. The ailment
  interferes with the balance of chemical reactions
  in the body. Often the symptoms show up early,
  but, if left untreated can lead to severe
  consequences like obesity, infertility or heart
  disease.

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Causes of hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland
  fails to produce adequate hormones. It can happen
  due a number of reasons including 
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (a particular
  inflammatory disease) is the most common cause of
  hypothyroidism. When the immune system produces
  antibodies that attack own tissues, it paves way
  for autoimmune diseases. This process involves
  the thyroid gland, albeit sometimes.  
• Patients who suffer from hyperthyroidism are
  treated with anti-thyroid medications and
  radioactive iodine therapy to restore balance of
  thyroid hormone. In some cases, treatment of
  hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism.  
• Thyroid surgery is one of the reasons behind
  hypothyroidism because it involves removing
  certain portion of thyroid gland which halts
  hormone production. 

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Causes of hypothyroidism
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• Radiation therapy used to treat head and neck
  cancer can affect thyroid gland leading to
  hypothyroidism.  
• Iodine deficiency has virtually been rectified in
  most countries. However, if one consumes more
  than required iodine, he becomes a recipient of
  hypothyroidism.

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Symptoms

• Symptoms of hypothyroidism Knowing about the
  signs of hypothyroidism is of extreme
  significance because you may not notice them
  initially. But as your metabolism slows and you
  grow old, chances are you may develop visible
  signs of hypothyroidism. Following are the
  symptoms 
• Tiredness 
• Weakness 
• Constipation 
• Increased sensitivity to cold 
• Hair loss 
• Muscular cramps and stiffness in the joints 
• Unusual menstrual periods 

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Symptoms
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• High blood cholesterol level 
• Depression 
• Frustration 
• Partial memory loss 
• In severe cases jaundice, slow speech and an
  increase in tongue size

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Treatments

• The main objective of the treatment is to
  replace the thyroid hormone that you lack. An
  endocrinologist will most commonly prescribe
  Levothyroxine in lowest possible dose. This
  medicine relieves hypothyroidism symptoms and
  brings blood hormone levels back to normal. Most
  people require taking Levothyroxine for lifetime.
  However, there are certain measures to be taken
  while taking Levothyroxine 
• Dont stop taking the pill even if you start to
  feel better. Strictly follow the doctors
  prescription. 
• Levothyroxine works best when taken empty stomach
  and an hour before any other medication. If the
  doctor permits to take the medicine at bedtime,
  so be it. Studies have shown that taking thyroid
  pill at bedtime allows the body to absorb the
  medicine better.  

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Treatments
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• Maintain a gap of 4 hours between Levothyroxine an
  d fiber supplements, calcium, iron, multivitamins
  etc. 
• Normally under the watchful eyes of
  experienced endocrinologists, thyroid hormone
  levels become normal with proper treatment. The
  doctors may prescribe thyroid medicines for
  lifetime in some cases.

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Related Disease

• HypothyroidismThyroid ProblemHormone
  problemHyperthyroidism

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