Fundamentals of Hypothyroidism

Health & Fitness

  • Author Lillian Decker
  • Published December 27, 2010
  • Word count 370

Hypothyroidism is an ailment in which the thyroid glands makes inadequate level of thyroid hormones, especially thyroxin as well as triiodiothyrorine. Thyroid hormones are extremely essential because they work on nearly every cell in your body, especially for metabolism purposes. Therefore those who have hypothyroidism are likely to have a reduced process in the numerous systems in the body. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are osteoperosis, decreased sweating, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle cramps, depression, reduced heart rate (bradycardia), goiter, elevated sensitivity to cold, tiredness, and much more.

Hypothyroidism can be due to iodine deficit or exposure to Iodine-131, a radioactive isotope of iodine that ruins the thyroid. It may be also attributable to the genetic autoimmune condition Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where system's defense mechanisms assaults the thyroid gland. Yet another cause is lymphocytic thyroiditis, a swelling of the thyroid that involves an overproduction of thyroid hormones, accompanied by a stage of hypothyroidism. In addition, medicines for hyperthyroidism can also lead to an under active thyroid.

Additionally, there are many kinds of hypothyroidism. At times the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus is incapable of inducing the thyroid gland to create adequate thyroid hormones although the thyroid gland itself is normal. This problem is termed secondary hypothyroidism and tertiary hypothyroidism, respectively. In the mean time, subclinical hypothyroidism describes the problem where there is a diminished serum TSH levels, showing hypothyroidism, yet have standard amounts of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone deficit can also happen during birth that is called congenital hypothyroidism. When not treated, this may lead to growth failure as well as mental retardation. Hypothyroidism is also a common condition amongst domestic dogs.

The treatment method for this ailment is a long term therapy of artificial levothyroxine (T4). It is used once a day dosage, although it typically requires greater doses for children. People with a history of heart disease as well as those folks who are thought of being at high-risk aren't suitable for this medicine because it could exacerbate their heart problem. The medicine needs to be consistently monitored if the ideal amount of thyroid is taken. Excessive thyroid medication could be quite harmful as it can lead to heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and can give rise to osteoporosis.

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