Recognizing Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Posted on May 21, 2009 by admin
A condition called “Hypothyroidism” is where the body does not have enough thyroid hormones. There are two forms of thyroid disease, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a small organ that is shaped like a butterfly, which partially surrounds the windpipe in the throat. Since the thyroid operates the body`s metabolism, this disease is usually connected to a slow metabolism. Hypothyroid symptoms consist of tiredness, weakness, loss of hair, an increase in weight and depression. Symptoms can be difficult to spot on occasion, particularly when they are mild. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is excessively active.
There are two principal reasons or causes of Hypothyroidism. The first reason is a previous, or current swelling of the thyroid which may cause some of the cells to die, rendering them incapable of making hormones. This is usually a outcome of Hashimoto`s thyroiditis, a type of swelling resulting from an attack on the thyroid gland by the individuals own immune system. The second cause is “medical treatments”. In some instances a part of the thyroid gland is detached surgically. This is performed for thyroid cancer or concerning nodes in the thyroid. Iodine treatments for overactive thyroid can also destroy hormone producing cells. While originally the thyroid may keep up with the required construction of hormones, over time it is unable to do so. This ailment is more regular in women than in men.
How does the thyroid produce hormones? It does so with by a signal which is sent by the pituitary gland located in the brain called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). As the body expects to be given a certain amount of thyroid hormones, when it doesn`t, the pituitary gland continues to send TSH in higher levels, sooner or later resulting in a enlarged thyroid. This inflammation is called a goiter; in this case a compensatory goiter. In contrast to goiters which are caused by too much production of thyroid hormones, this swelling is caused by the constant barrage of TSH from the pituitary gland. If the goiter becomes excessively big it can cause problems with breathing and swallowing. At that point the only solution is to remove it surgically.
Hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid disease which is simply detected through blood tests. The blood tests inspect for both T4, the main hormone createdby the thyroid, as well as TSH. In hypothyroidism T4 levels are deficient and TSH levels are elevated. Hypothyroidism treatment is usually quite simple; a pill is given. The pill contains a natural or synthetic form of thyroid hormone to enhance the body`s present levels. It can take up to a few months oftreatment before the treatments bring the hormone levels to the proper place as people react differently to the medicines. Unfortunately, treatment continues for the remainder of the patient`s life.
