What is Hypothyroidism?
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Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormone. The main function of the thyroid gland is to regulate the body's metabolism; it affects all parts of the body. Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are associated with other illnesses, and are often overlooked or misdiagnosed by physicians. Hypothyroidism is very common, although many people are unaware that they have hypothyroidism, and often go untreated for many years. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight gain/difficulty losing weight
- Coarse, dry hair
- Hair loss
- Muscle cramps/aches
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Irritability
- Memory Loss
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Depression
- Cold and/or heat intolerance
- Decreased libido
Causes of Hypothyroidism:
Inflammation of the thyroid gland: If the thyroid becomes inflamed, it's likely that a large percentage of thyroid cells will be damaged and left incapable of producing sufficient hormone. This most commonly occurs due to what is called autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), in which the immune system overreacts and thereby results in an inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Medical treatments: If the thyroid, or a portion of it, has been removed to treat a previous condition, it will fail to produce enough thyroid hormone. Also, radioactive iodine therapy is often used to treat thyroid goiters; this type of therapy is employed to kill a portion of the thyroid in order to prevent goiters from growing any larger, or producing too much hormone.
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a blood test, but is usually not included in a routine exam. If you suspect that you might have hypothyroidism, ask you doctor for a thyroid test. It's important to note, however, that the "normal" range for thyroid hormone is not the same for everyone. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, since blood results often show normal results, even though the symptoms indicate otherwise.
Treatment for hypothyroidism usually consists of a daily dose of thyroid replacement hormones, accompanied by regular doctor visits to monitor doseage and any changes in symptoms.
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9
I had joint pain and muscle cramps. I was treated with painkillers. later the pain returned and this time with low b.p. I was treated with multivitamins, to no avail, then had anger, irritability and memory loss. I was treated with antidepressants and sleeping pills only to make myself worse. After three months of suffering and pain I was diagnosed with overt hypothyroidism.
I have been on medication for the past month. Almost all symptoms have gone but one annoyingly frustrating one is there: "brain fog".
I have been a class topper all my life and now this brain numbness and lack of thinking pattern makes me suicidal.
I am trying yoga to combat this one. Does brain fog due to hypothyroidism go away?Anticipating a yes to that one -- in how much time? I have no weight gain or hair loss or skin problems. - anon47245
8
Hi! I have loads of the symptoms of hypothyroidism (extraordinary exhaustion and fatigue, unexplained weight gain, low blood pressure / pulse rate / temperature, loss of body hair and outer third of eyebrow, hoarse voice, loss of concentration, poor memory, low sex drive, weepiness, long and heavy periods, I already have 2 auto-immune disorders - coeliac and psoriasis, muscle and joint aches, pins and needles, dry skin, puffy eyes, change in facial expression) yet my bloods have come back as normal. What can I do and where do I go from here?
I've been on the net for what seems like days and am seriously considering taking Thyromine. Thanks for any help or suggestions. - aivlys
6
HI, I would like to share my exp with you all suffering from thyroid.
I have had severely low thyroid for nearly two years now, I did not want to end up taking Synthroid. When came to know about VCO (Virgin coconut oil ) from my friend, I was so excited to try the Coconut Oil. I took 3 tablespoons a day and within two months, I returned to my physician and she just couldn't believe that everything on my tests was once again normal! She was so enthused that she has prescribed your product to three other thyroid patients since then. Your product took me out of the doom and gloom I suffered for so very long! My muscles have returned to normal... The depression, hoarse voice, swollen face/eyes and all my other symptoms have disappeared! there are many brand available in market you need to choose the right one I have been using MeritVCO. Here is what you should see for an Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Colourless and crystal clear. Light, fresh coconut aroma Natural Coconut taste Quick absorption No oily feel Very light viscosity you can find more information by googling thyroid herbals. - swati123
5
hey friends, we are all in the same boat more or less. this winter break i was diagnosed...accidentally, as a case of hypothyroid. that was a jolt, especially being in the line of fitness for over 15 years...well i took my time to accept that this is one thing that's so not in my hands...but yes, now i knew all the answers to all the why my body was slowing down and bang i challenged myself to spring back and stop feeling beaten to the god-gifted situation. i accepted the new me. and today have lost about a kilogram with smarter workouts and yoga. yes i do feel pulled down at times..but then i simply put my feet up and do my breathing exercises and gear up my attitude. know you are your own best friend...so pep up, it's all in the attitude. god is with you. cheers! n good health :) - anon8735
4
If you have an underactive thyroid does it come back up on its own or do you have to be treated? - anon3140
3
i had my blood results through for my thyroid and it has gone from 2.46 to 100 and my t4 is 2.76 ive started on levithyroxine but feel terrible as soon as i take my pill in the morning and have to go back to bed for about 3 hours,when should i start to feel better. - kathy
2
I too have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and am still experiencing symptoms...in fact i have gained 7 pounds since ive started taking it, and havent changed my diet but that im drinking more water and less sugary drinks. Im waiting my current THS test. Im taking 50mcg as well. - anon1656
1
I have recently been diagnosed as having hypothyroidism - when my doctor informed me I was only told you have hypothyroidism and heres a prescription for Levothyroxine come back in three weeks time for a blood test - no explanation of what is was or meant, no leaflet etc. I have had to research it myself on the net. When I returned three weeks later for my results I was told that my thyroid was now normal so my dose of 50mgs would be fine - come back in four to five months time !! I still have all the symptoms, have gained two stone in less than a year, have hair loss, very cold hands and feet, short term memory loss, weepy, lethargic, poor sleep pattern. How can my test be normal within three weeks of such a low dose of Levothyroxine and yet still have all the symptoms ? - anon982
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Written by
T Thompson
Last Modified: 03 October 2009
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