OVERCOMING  HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This gland, located at the front of the neck, is responsible for the body’s metabolism (the way it uses energy) and major functions such as heart rate.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism depend on the severity of the hormone deficiency. These symptoms tend to develop slowly, often over several years. At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more-obvious problems. Hypothyroidism symptoms may include tiredness, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, puffy face, hoarse voice, coarse hair and skin, muscle weakness, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, menstrual cycles that are heavier than usual or irregular, thinning hair, slowed heart rate (also called bradycardia), depression, and memory problems.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is when your immune system starts to attack itself, making antibodies against the thyroid gland. Other causes include autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, surgical removal of the thyroid, and radiation treatment.

Diagnosis for Hypothyroidism is usually based on blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4). If TSH is high and T4 is low, then the diagnosis is hypothyroidism.

While Hypothyroidism can lead to various health complications if left untreated, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan.

Finding the Root Cause

Hypothyroidism is a condition that results from decreased production of thyroid hormones. The root causes of hypothyroidism can be varied and complex, but here are some of the most common ones:

• Autoimmune Diseases: The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells. In the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system targets the thyroid gland, affecting its ability to produce hormones.
• Age and Gender: Increasing age and being female are risk factors for hypothyroidism. Women are more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism, and the risk increases with age.
• Treatment for Hyperthyroidism: People who have been treated for hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) are at risk of eventually developing hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid Surgery: Having part or all of your thyroid gland removed can result in hypothyroidism.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.
• Certain Medications: Some medicines can interfere with thyroid hormone production and lead to hypothyroidism.
• Congenital Factors: Some people are born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland at all.
• Pituitary Disorder: Less commonly, hypothyroidism can result from a disorder of the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of your brain and regulates the production of thyroid hormone.
• Pregnancy: Some women may develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy.
• Iodine Deficiency: In some parts of the world, iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism.