Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the level of
the thyroid hormones in the body is abnormally low.
The thyroid, a gland located in the neck, manufactures
hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate,
and body weight. Too little hormone slows down all the
chemical reactions in the body, leading to
life-threatening complications.
Causes
Insufficient thyroid hormone production can be
caused by:
- Thyroid gland dysfunction resulting from surgery
- Rradiation therapy
- Iodine deficiency
- Thyroid cancer
- Use of anti-thyroid medications
- Thyroid gland disease
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Thyroid Cancer
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Dzziness
- Weight gain
- Inability to concentrate, memory lapses
- Constipation
- Raised blood cholesterol
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
- Anemia
- Hair loss
- Dry scaly skin and brittle nails
- Puffy face, hands, and feet
- Swollen abdomen
- Secreased sex drive
- Muscle cramps
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. Regular exercise and a
high-fiber diet can help maintain thyroid function
and prevent constipation.
