A common condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce adequate thyroid hormone is called as Hypothyroidism. It's a more common thyroid disorder among the people, far more common than hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid). Here's a detailed overview of hypothyroidism disease.
Causes
Hypothyroidism is often the end result of Hashimoto's disease, also called long-term thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid-gland). In this disease, the body's defense mechanism doesn't recognize that the thyroid gland is a part of your body's own tissues and starts attacking the thyroid-gland as if it were a foreign body. The attack by the body's immune system affects thyroid functionality and also sometimes damages the gland. Other reasons for hypothyroidism include:
• Radiation - Radioactive-iodine used to cure hyperthyroidism or any other radiation treatments for cancer near chest or neck region can damage the thyroid gland.
• Surgery - Removing thyroid gland due to cancer or any other thyroid gland disorders can lead to hypothyroidism.
• Viruses and bacteria - Microbial infections that depress the production of thyroid hormone usually trigger long term hypothyroidism.
• Medication - Lithium, iodides or nitroprussides can cause an under active thyroid. Patients who start using these medicines are observed closely by their physicians and this side-effect is quite rare.
• Malfunction of pituitary gland - This is usually a rare condition where the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient TSH to induce the production of T4 by thyroid gland.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms and the level of severity of the disease may vary greatly and depend upon the extent of thyroid deficiency. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
• Fatigue and body weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Unusual Weight gain or difficulty in losing weight
• Poor appetite
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid-gland)
• Dry skin and hair loss
• Irregular or even heavy menstruation.
• Depression and memory loss
• Sluggishness and slowed mental activity
• Increased blood ldl cholesterol levels
Diagnosis
The history as well as physical examination usually reveals the typical signs and physical symptoms that suggest an under-active thyroid; however, laboratory analysis is essential to determine the reason behind hypothyroidism.
Diagnostic tests include testing the blood-levels of:
• TSH or Thyroid stimulating hormone - This hormone will probably be elevated in the event of hypothyroidism. The TSH check is the most sensitive examination for the proper diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
• Free T4 (free-thyroxin), T3 thyroid hormones - Thyroid hormonal levels in the blood will likely be low, however with minor, or "sub-clinical" hypothyroidism, the hormonal levels could be in the low standard range.
Treatment:
Hypothyroidism can be treated easily using thyroid hormone medication. The most efficient and trusted thyroid replacement hormone is synthetic or man-made hormone which contains levothyroxine. After commencing the treatment, you'll have regular sessions with your physician to ensure that you have the suitable dose of medication. In case your hypothyroidism is a result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, you may require treatment throughout your lifetime.
Treatment while being pregnant is particularly crucial since thyroid problems may damage the fetus. If you ever develop hypothyroidism while pregnant, treatment needs to be started right away. If you've hypothyroidism before you get pregnant, your thyroid hormonal changes have to be examined and appropriate medicines should be taken.
Some other natural treatment options are also available to treat this condition. Consuming kelp, a rich source of iodine is one of the natural remedies. Vitamin B-complex, zinc, L-tyrosine, selenium, Bladderwrack are some other natural treatment options for hypothyroidism. Regular exercise and balanced diet are also crucial if you have thyroid issues.
To learn more about Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism, please check out the Hypothyroidsim Solution.
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