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What is Hypothyroidism?
Although most doctors recommend synthetic thyroxine, natural extracts containing thyroid hormone derived from the thyroid glands of pigs are available. These products contain both thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Synthetic thyroid medications contain thyroxine only, and the triiodothyronine your body needs is derived from the thyroxine.
Read more on www.mayoclinic.com
Also known as under-active thyroid, underactive thyroid, myxedema, thyroid insufficiency, thyroid, under-active, Hypothyroidisms
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Hypothyroidism information from trusted sources:
Thyroid.org: Hypothyroidism Brochure
Hypothyroidism may become more or less severe, and your dose of thyroxine may need to change over time. You have to make a lifetime commitment to treatment. ... Read more on
www.thyroid.org
Quiz: Could You Be Hypothyroid?
This quiz evaluates whether you have risk factors, signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism -- an underactive, sluggish, low or slow thyroid. Read more on
thyroid.about.com
Hypothyroidism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hypothyroidism is a deficiency of thyroid hormone in humans and other vertebrates. It can be due to an abnormality in the thyroid gland, or less commonly, ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which there is too little thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. The thyroid gland, which produces the thyroid hormones, ... Read more on
www.ehealthmd.com
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones affect the metabolic processes of the body. Hypothyroidism can be caused by conditions of the thyroid as well as other disease which may indirectly affect the thyroid. Women are affected by hypothyroidism more than men, especially as they age. The incidence of hypothyroidism increases significantly in the elderly. Low thyroid hormone levels decrease metabolism (how energy is used), and increase the risk of other health issues such as heart disease and problems of pregnancy. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
magic foundation for children's growth : Congential Hypothyroidism
Sep 1, 2010 ... Treatment for congenital hypothyroidism is replacement of the missing ... The treatment for hypothyroidism is safe, simple and effective. ... Read more on
www.magicfoundation.org
Hypothyroidism
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones. The thyroid helps set your metabolism - how your body gets energy from the foods you eat. Millions of people in the U.S. have thyroid diseases. Most of them are women. If you have a thyroid disease, your body uses energy more slowly or quickly than it should. A thyroid gland that is not active enough, called hypothyroidism, is far more common. It can make you gain weight, feel fatigued and have difficulty dealing with cold temperatures. If your thyroid is too active, it makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs. That condition is hyperthyroidism. Too much thyroid hormone can make you lose weight, speed up your heart rate and make you very sensitive to heat. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
ACP: Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, also known as "underactive thyroid disease," is a common adult condition of the thyroid, a gland that regulates the body's energy. ... Read more on
www.acponline.org
Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis ...
Nov 29, 2010 ... What are the consequences of hypothyroidism during pregnancy? ... What can be done to avoid the consequences of hypothyroidism in pregnancy? ... Read more on
www.medicinenet.com
Contents
Causes
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Complications
There are several possible complications that can occur if you have hypothyroidism. These are outlined below and are most likely to occur if the condition is left untreated.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Diagnosis
Doctors are good at detecting hypothyroidism, so many cases are diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Exams and Tests
A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:Brittle nails; Coarse facial features; Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch; Swelling of the arms and legs; Thin and brittle hair; Serum TSH ; T4 test ; Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC); Increased cholesterol levels ; Increased liver enzymes; Increased prolactin ; Low sodium
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Medical advice
See your doctor if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation or a hoarse voice.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Outlook (Prognosis)
In most cases, thyroid levels return to with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with untreated hypothyroidism.
Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Prevention
Risk factors
Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, it occurs mainly in women older than 50, and the risk of developing the disorder increases with age. You also have an increased risk if you: Have a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent, with an autoimmune disease; Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications; Received radiation to your neck or upper chest; Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to come on slowly, and you may not notice them for several years.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Treatments and drugs
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid). This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, shifting your body back into normal gear.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com