Learning About Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that is characterized by an underactive thyroid. It is a condition that is caused by the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid disease. It is quite common. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the lower portion of the neck. Hormones are released from the thyroid gland into the bloodstream. These thyroid hormones affect almost every part of the body. When there is an imbalance in the thyroid hormones, problem can arise.

Hypothyroidism is common among women, especially women who are older than 60 years old. Hypothyroidism interferes with the normal balance of thyroid hormones in your body. Initially, it usually does not cause many symptoms or problems. However, if the condition goes left untreated for a long time, it can cause a number of symptoms or problems that can affect your health. This may include heart disease, obesity, or infertility.

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary depending on how severe the case of the condition is. In general, the symptoms often develop gradually over time. This could even mean over a couple of years. Some of the initial signs or symptoms of the condition may include fatigue and weight gain. However, these symptoms could also indicate other conditions, or just may be a result of aging. With time though, these symptoms get more severe and more symptoms arise. Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may include fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, a puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints, heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, thinning hair, slowed heart rate, depression, and impaired memory.

Hypothyroidism could be caused by a number of things. Underlying conditions that may cause hypothyroidism include an autoimmune disease, thyroid surgery, certain medications, radiation therapy, or having been treated for hyperthyroidism. Other less common causes of hypothyroidism include a pituitary disorder, an iodine deficiency, a congenital disease, or pregnancy.

In order to diagnose hypothyroidism, your doctor will usually assess your symptoms and do a blood test to measure the level of TSH and sometimes the level of thyroid hormone thyroxine. If the blood test shows that you have a low level of thyroxine and a high level of TSH, this could indicate that you have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid.