What Is Hypothyroid?
By: LizzyTotal Views: 264, Word Count: 485,
The thyroid gland is a small gland found in the middle of the lower neck below the larynx or Adam’s apple. It is supposed to produce a required amount of thyroid hormone in the body. The main function of this gland is to regulate the body's metabolism. It also works in conjunction with the pituitary gland producing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
Hypothyroidism is caused by the failure of the thyroid gland in producing enough hormones to fulfill the basic requirement of the body. It is the stage of under-activity. Metabolic rate and energy levels decrease and the body uses energy at a very slow rate. It is a common condition that affects millions of people but most of them remain completely unaware and often go untreated for many years.
Therefore a blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis of the disease. The patient’s clinical history and results of antibody screening tests and thyroid scans can help to determine all the underlying causes. Blood tests are done to measure the levels of TSH, the thyroid stimulating hormone, and T3 and T4, the thyroid hormones - as well as their interactions with each other.
Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism mostly associated with various illnesses are:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Muscle and joint aches
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Irritability
- Memory Loss
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Depression
- Cold and/or heat intolerance
- Decreased libido
Causes of Hypothyroidism are:
Inflammation of the thyroid gland: When the thyroid becomes inflamed a large percentage of thyroid cells get damaged. They are left incapable of producing sufficient hormone. The reason for occurrence of this problem is the autoimmune thyroiditis which is also called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this the immune system overreacts and thereby results in an inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Some prescribed medical treatments are:
Radioactive iodine therapy: This is used to treat thyroid goiters. This treatment is employed to kill a portion of the thyroid in order to prevent goiters from growing any larger, or producing too much hormone.
Many treatments for hypothyroidism usually consist of a daily dose of thyroid replacement hormones also.
Anti-thyroid medications are also recommended sometimes. If you choose to take a natural cure, the problem can be resolved safely without affecting the other parts of the body. If you suspect any such symptoms mentioned above, ask your doctor for a thyroid examination test and then go for the correct treatment that goes well with the hormonal balance of your body.
About the Author
By Lizzy: The proper functioning of our thyroid gland is a basic necessity of our bodies as it regulates the metabolic rate and energy levels of the body. Be it over activity or under activity of this gland, both are harmful for a healthy maintenance of our body. Most of the time it is left undiagnosed, therefore it is always recommended to go for regular check-ups followed by effective treatments to protect our health.
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