Hypothyroidism

My topic that I chose for my blog is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a common disease about two to three percent of the United States population has it. People that have this disease have sub-clinical or mild cases of hypothyroidism are included too. Hypothyroidism is known to affect ten to twenty percent of women of or over the age of 50.

The thyroid gland is what hypothyroidism effects. It is shaped like a butterfly and is located below the Adam’s apple, wrapped around your windpipe. Your thyroid gland stores and makes hormones that can help regulate your heart rate, your blood pressure; the rate food is converted into energy and also can help regulate your body temperature. The thyroid hormones that are in your body are essential for the working function of every single cell in your body.

Hypothyroidism is a case of low thyroid hormones moving or bad thyroid hormone communication that has the result of lowered basal metabolic being. Also there is a state of sub-clinical hypothyroidism, where the symptoms of hypothyroidism are existent but are not abnormal. The sub-clinical hypothyroidism is a grey area where the gland is breaking down but isn’t broken yet. The thyroid gland is an influence on almost all the organs, tissue and cell throughout the body.

The thyroid stores iodine that the body gets from the food people eat and uses the minerals that your body takes in to arrangeT4 and T3. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroxine is made up of four iodine molecules that are attached to the molecule structure of it. Triiodothyronine is 3 iodine molecules connected to its molecular figure. T3 is produced outside the thyroid by deiodination, also known as the removal of iodine, from T4. The process actually makes for up to more than half T3’s that diffuse throughout your bloodstream.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed based on the patient’s observations, medical history, and examination of the physical body and functions of the thyroid tests. Doctors who specialize in thyroid disease are called Endocrinologists. These doctors are trained to see the subtle symptoms and physical movements of hypothyroidism. They usually take blood for a special blood test called TSH, or commonly known as a thyroid-stimulating hormone test. This test tests the levels of the T4 and T3’s in your body. Thyroid nuclear medicine scan and thyroid ultrasounds are used to find out the diagnosis.

Hypothyroidism, just like any other disease, has symptoms, such as, fatigue, weight gain, and depression. These symptoms are major symptoms but the more insignificant symptoms are, insomnia, memory loss, poor concentration, dry skin and hair, loss of half or more of one’s eyebrows, a thick tongue, high blood lipids, headaches, reoccurring infections, constipation, loss of libido, infertility, miscarriage, premature delivery and muscle weakness. 

Is there any known cure for this disease?

Could there possibly be a way to prevent this disease from occurring?

Do you think anyone you know could maybe have this disease and not know it?

3 thoughts on “Hypothyroidism

  1. I have been diagnosed with hypotyroidism. I take levothyroxine everyday and will for the rest of my life. When I skip a pill or forgot it for several days I get very tired, gain weight, and can’t sleep.

    My mom also has thryoid problems. In the 1950’s she took a drink called the atomic drink that was suppose to eat away part of the tyroid and correct the problem. Unfortune for her, it took to much of the tyroid and she has been on pills for her whole life. She is 88 now and does great so the medication does work.

    It would seem the thyroid problem is inherited.

  2. There is no known cure for hypothyroidism. There is only treatment. It is not a disease. The medication replaces the lacking hormones for a better functioning body. Men also have this problem. Trust me. Levothyroxine is the most common medication to teat hypothyroidism. A patient will have this burden for the rest of his or her life. He or she will have to take medication every day for the rest of his or her life. Never missing a time or that person will suffer by having to make up for it later by taking another pill. Be thankfull for your good health it is a blessing. People die from not getting organs every day. Ross W.
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001393/

  3. I know a little about hypothyroidism. For example, acquired hypothyroidism is a condition that develops when your child’s thyroid gland makes little or no thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones help control body temperature, heart rate, and how your child gains or loses weight. Thyroid hormones play an important role in normal growth and development of children. Acquired hypothyroidism usually affects children starting at 6 months of age. Some children who have hypothyroidism when they are born only show signs and symptoms much later in childhood.

    The following conditions may cause or increase your child’s risk of acquired hypothyroidism:

    •Autoimmune disease: A problem with your child’s immune system may make his body attack his thyroid gland. Autoimmune thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disease that causes acquired hypothyroidism.

    •Family history: Your child’s risk is greater if a family member has hypothyroidism or an autoimmune disease.

    •Medicines: Certain medications can cause hypothyroidism. Ask your child’s caregiver if any of the medicines your child takes can cause hypothyroidism.

    •Treatments: Radiation therapy used to treat cancers of the head and neck can destroy your child’s thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery makes him more likely to develop hypothyroidism.

    •Other diseases or conditions: An enlarged or swollen thyroid, lumps caused by infections, or thyroid cancer can affect how your child’s thyroid works.

    •Low iodine levels: The thyroid gland uses iodine to work correctly and to make thyroid hormones.
    What are the signs and symptoms of acquired hypothyroidism?
    The signs and symptoms of acquired hypothyroidism may be different depending on your child’s age.

    •Early signs and symptoms:

    •Bulging soft mass in the belly

    •Coarse or dull-looking facial features

    •Delay or failure in growth and development

    •Dry, flaky skin or brittle fingernails

    •Hoarseness and a large tongue

    •Later signs and symptoms:

    •Depression, fatigue, or irritability

    •Sensitivity to cold

    •Learning, speech, or behavior problems

    •Constipation

    •Delay in sexual development

    •Swelling of his whole body, very slow heartbeat, and trouble breathing
    How is acquired hypothyroidism diagnosed?
    Your caregiver will ask about your child’s symptoms and examine him. He will ask what medicines your child takes. You may also be asked about your child’s medical history and if anyone in his family has hypothyroidism. He may have blood tests to check his thyroid hormone level.

    How is acquired hypothyroidism treated?
    Thyroid medicine will bring your child’s thyroid hormone level back to normal. Ask your child’s caregiver for more information on other medicines your child may need.

    What are the risks of acquired hypothyroidism?
    Without treatment, your child may have learning problems, poor growth and intelligence, or mental retardation. Your child may also develop myxedema, which is a dangerous condition. Myxedema may cause swelling in your child’s legs, ankles, lungs, or around his heart. He may have seizures, or go into a deep coma, and die if he does not get medical care quickly.

    When should I contact my child’s caregiver?
    Contact your child’s caregiver if:

    •Your child has a fever.

    •Your child has chills, a cough, or feels weak and achy.

    •Your child has pain, redness, and swelling in his muscles and joints.

    •Your child’s skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.

    •Your child does not have any more thyroid medicine, or he has stopped taking it.

    •You have questions or concerns about your child’s condition or medicines.
    When should I seek immediate help?
    Seek help immediately or call 911 if:

    •Your child is becomes nervous or restless.

    •Your child has choking episodes or sudden trouble breathing.

    •Your child has diarrhea, tremors, or trouble sleeping.

    •Your child has swelling around his eyes, or in his legs, ankles, or feet.

    •Your child faints or has a seizure.

    •Your child’s signs and symptoms return or become worse.
    Care Agreement
    You have the right to help plan your child’s care. Learn about your child’s health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child’s caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

    Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User’s use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

    The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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