Hypothyroidism and Symptoms

A brief explanation of hypothyroidism and symptoms.
Hypothyroidism, or under or overactive thyroid, is a condition in which your body produces the wrong amount of thyroid hormone. The main purpose of your thyroid is to regulate your body's metabolism and thyroid will cause your metabolism to slow down. Overactive thyroid would produce too much of this hormone. There are an estimated 10 million Americans who suffer from this medical condition is relatively common.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, but generally include fatigue, inability to tolerate cold and heavy hikes. There are several causes of hypothyroidism, but the most common include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This disease causes the immune system to attack the thyroid. This attack causes the thyroid gland to work harder to produce the hormone, which causes the thyroid to become enlarged. Commonly referred to as goiter.

Subacute thyroiditis. Caused by a virus infection, the disease causes the immune system to release a large number of lymphocytes that attack the thyroid. Again, this causes the thyroid gland to work harder and bigger.

Thyroiditis.Instead silent attack the thyroid itself, this imbalance causes lymphocytes to occupy follicular thyroid gland, which leads to under-activity and hypothyroidism.

The most common early symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
• mental and physical fatigue
• weakness
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Other symptoms are less common, but can be present, among others:
• Constipation
• Sensitivity to cold
• Cold hands and feet
• thick tongue
• Dry and brittle hair and nails
• Muscle or joint pain
• Skin pale or yellowish

During the final stages of the disease, other symptoms may appear, among others:
• Poor Memory
• Processing slow thinking
• sleepiness
• Poor Circulation
• Decreased sense of taste and smell
• Swelling of the face
• Hand and foot swelling
• Muscle spasms
• Joint stiffness

Diagnosing hypothyroidism is done by testing the blood for proper levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Have one or more symptoms of hypothyroidism is usually enough to have your doctor ordered tests performed. Because many factors can affect the level of TSH, second or even third test can be ordered by a doctor to make sure it has the correct diagnosis. The reason for some of the tests vary, but can include patients who suffer from diseases that are not related, have iodine deficiency or undergoing radiation therapy. TSH level is usually not inspected while undergoing treatment at the hospital because of the risk of false readings.

Treating hypothyroidism can take several forms. The most common of which is a synthetic hormone replacement regimens. Synthetic thyroxine, or levothyroxine, treatment is usually prescribed and procedures to stabilize the thyroid is usually within 4 to 8 weeks. Routine examination may last up to one year after the procedure. Other forms of thyroid replacement therapy is available and you should discuss the best procedure for you with your doctor.
Hypothyroidism is not a matter to be taken lightly, but with proper diagnosis and effective thyroid replacement regimen, the problems associated with it can be minimized and your body can resume its natural balance relatively quickly after diagnosis and treatment.