What is Hypothyroidism?

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism implies the inability of your body to produce adequate thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is also regarded as under active thyroid disease. No doubt, many people have various health conditions that need medical attention, but it is imperative to use the right treatment like thyroxine medications to ensure the thyroid gland produces more sufficient thyroid hormones.

Healthy living should be your major priority by making sure the thyroid gland is making excellent hormones. The inability of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient hormone could trigger various health issues like the disruption of heart rate, obesity, body temperature, joint pain, infertility, and general effects on metabolism. Hypothyroidism is commonly seen in older women.

Although hypothyroidism does not bring about noticeable changes or symptoms at the early stage, untreated hypothyroidism is related to many health conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

The symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism differ from person to person. It all depends on the degree of hormone deficiency.  The following are some of the symptoms;

• General weight gain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Increased feeling of cold
• Dry Skin
• Pain
• Swelling of the joints and more

What Are the Causes of Hypothyroidism?

There are many factors that may result in hypothyroidism. Here are some causes;

• Autoimmune Disease– This is the #1 causes of hypothyroidism known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders trigger hypothyroidism that produces antibodies that attack your own thyroid tissues. Autoimmune is triggered by both environmental factors and genes.
• Thyroid Surgery– Another factor that may result in hypothyroidism would be the removal of the larger part of the thyroid gland. This can reduce the production of thyroid hormones
• Radiation Therapy– The radiation used for the treatment of neck and head cancers can affect the production of sufficient thyroid hormones which may lead to hypothyroidism
• Excessive Medication- Medications like lithium for the treatment of some psychiatric disorders can trigger hypothyroidism.
• Pregnancy– Hypothyroidism can likely occur during pregnancy. Some women develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy. The reason for this  is that they produce antibodies to against their thyroid gland.

What Are the Possible Complications of Hypothyroidism?

The following are some complications of hypothyroidism;

• Infertility
• Heart Problems
• Mental health conditions
• Birth defects
• Goitre (Constant stimulation of your thyroid in order to release hormones)

These are some of the possible complications that may occur if hypothyroidism is not treated.

What Are the Treatments of Hypothyroidism

The primary treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of thyroxine medications. This oral medication will boost and increase your hormone levels, thereby eliminating the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. You would feel better once you start taking the medication.

Thyroxine medications are best taken in the morning or before breakfast at the same time each day. You can take it in the morning and wait for about an hour to eat.

How to determine the right dosage