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.

Hhypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a term used to describe a condition that occurs when the thyroid does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone to meet the body's needs.

Thyroid hormone is very important because it plays an important role in ensuring that you stay balanced metabolism.

Thyroid hormones regulate the rate at which carbohydrates and fats are used by the body. Thyroid hormones also perform other functions such as helping to regulate heart rate, protein production and body temperature.

The thyroid gland itself can be found just below the Adam's Apple. Hormones produced is Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) most often occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. As a result of the thyroid gland becomes damaged which then prevents it from producing enough thyroid hormone (thyroxine) to meet the body's needs. This is certainly not the only way in which a person can start suffering from hypothyroidism, there are a variety of other causes as well.

If the body does not receive sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone the body's ability to use energy very disturbed. Thyroid hormones also play a role in helping the body to keep bones and muscles in good shape.

There is no known way by which you can prevent hypothyroidism also no medical cure for this disease actually. It is generally accepted that once you have hypothyroidism you will have a lifelong disease.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the name given to hypothyroidism caused by thyroid becomes inflamed as a direct result of an attack by the immune system itself. It is commonly known as 'autoimmune disorders'.

Hypothyroidism is caused by a problem with the thyroid itself.

If you have a problem with your thyroid that requires having thyroid surgery you will suffer from hypothyroidism as a direct result.

There is also a condition known as congenital thyroid agenesis, which describes a person who is born without a thyroid, which would lead to individuals suffering from hypothyroidism.

Treatment

There are several prescription medications that can cause the thyroid gland to deteriorate. This can even occur, in some cases, with some drugs that really often prescribed for patients with hypothyroidism to alleviate their condition.

Generic defect

Hypothyroidism can also be caused as a result of a genetic defect of some sort. If the genes that are responsible for regulating the thyroid hormone has broken the possibility that the individual will contract hypothyroidism.

The majority of this gene defect is detected at a very early age.
pituitary problem

It is possible, though not common, for hypothyroidism is caused by damage to the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland produces hormones alone are responsible for stimulating the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. Without this stimulation of the thyroid gland is just not there doing it right.

Although the medical profession seems to have resigned themselves to the fact that the active thyroid can not be cured there are natural remedies that have been proven to be very effective. If you apply the right hypothyroidism diet is possible to control the disease to the point that you can lead a normal life. There is also the treatment of hypothyroidism called The Hypothyroidism Diet Revolution which treats the entire hormonal pathways that already has a number of phenomenal success.