Hypothyroidism
Also known as: Underactive Thyroid
What is it?
Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland
doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Too little
hormone slows down all the chemical reactions in
the body, leading to life-threatening
complications.
Who gets it?
Hypothyroidism is one of the most common
chronic diseases in the United States, affecting
an estimated 11 million adults and children. As
many as two of every three people with
hypothyroidism may not know they have the disease.
The condition can develop in anyone, though
hypothyroidism tends to run in families.
Middle-aged and elderly women are the most
commonly affected. Factors that increase a
person's risk of developing hypothyroidism include
age, weight, and medical history.
What causes it?
Hypothyroidism is most often the result of
Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic
thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland).
In this disease, the immune system fails to
recognize that the thyroid gland is part of the
body's own tissue and attacks it as if it were a
foreign body. The attack by the immune system
impairs thyroid function and sometimes destroys
the gland. Other causes of hypothyroidism include
radiation, surgery, viruses and bacteria, certain
medications, pituitary gland malfunction, diet,
environmental contaminants, or a congenital
defect.
What are the symptoms?
Patients who complain of fatigue, constipation,
dry skin, depression and high diastolic blood
pressure are likely to have hypothyroidism,
particularly if the symptoms occur together and
are persistent. The patient may also experience
decreased heart rate, progressive hearing loss,
weight gain, problems with memory and
concentrations, and an enlarged thyroid gland
(goiter).
How is it diagnosed?
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by testing the
patient’s blood to measure the level of both
thyroid hormone and the pituitary’s
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A thyroid
nuclear medicine scan and thyroid ultrasound may
also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
What is the treatment?
Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism are
prescribed a synthetic thyroid hormone tablet that
will most likely need to be taken every day for
the rest of the patient’s life. It may take
several months to determine the correct dosage,
however patients usually start to feel better
within 48 hours. Regular exercise and a high-fiber
diet can help maintain thyroid function and
prevent constipation. Alternative treatments are
primarily aimed at strengthening the thyroid and
will not eliminate the need for thyroid hormone
medications. Herbal remedies to improve thyroid
function and relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism
include bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus), which
can be taken in capsule form or as a tea. Some
patients may need to undergo surgery to treat
hyperthyroidism. Patients requiring surgery suffer
from large goiter and relapses, even after
repeated attempts to address the disease through
drug therapy.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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