Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormone. In most cases, hypothyroidism is chronic or lifelong, resulting in the patient taking a synthetic hormone replacement to compensate for the underactive thryoid gland. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), an estimated 25 million people in the United States suffer from hypothyroidism and almost half are undiagnosed.
Causes
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease referred to as Hashimoto's Disease. Hashimoto's disease occurs when the patient's own immune system causes a failure in thyroid production.
Other causes include thyroid surgery in which the thyroid gland is removed or radioative idoine therapy where part of the thyroid is killed to prevent goiters from forming. This is typically done in cases where the the thyroid is producing too much hormone.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include extreme fatigue, depression, feeling cold, hair loss, weight gain or trouble losing weight, irregular menstrual periods, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and irritability.
Diagnosis
Hypothryoidism is diagnosed through a blood test which measures a patient's TSH (Thyroid Stimulation Hormone) levels.
Treatment
Hypothyroidism is easily treated by taking a synthetic thyroid hormone pill daily.
Follow-up
It is very important to have your TSH levels checked on a regular basis, as they can fluctuate. You may find that your dosage will change from time to time depending on you TSH levels.
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