| Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is not | | | | recommend screening on a regular basis for people |
| making enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a | | | | over 35. It is also important to get tested if you have a |
| butterfly shaped gland located in the front of the throat. | | | | close relative with hypothyroidism. |
| The thyroid is important because it makes a hormone | | | | Other people who should get tested are those with |
| that affects the way the body uses energy. | | | | diabetes or arthritis. Women who show signs of |
| Therefore, having hypothyroidism makes you feel | | | | postpartum depression should also get tested as |
| overly tired and depressed. It can cause weakness. It | | | | hypothyroidism may be a partial cause. Remember it is |
| can also raise cholesterol levels. While this may sound | | | | best to ask your doctor about getting tested if you fall |
| very serious, it is important to remember that | | | | into any of the above categories or if you exhibit any |
| hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed and treated. The | | | | of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. |
| worst part about hypothyroidism is the symptoms. | | | | If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, treatment is |
| Symptoms of hypothyroidism also include memory | | | | also simple. Hypothyroidism is treated with medication, |
| problems, dry skin, a yellowing of the skin. Many people | | | | a synthetic hormone that mimics the one that the |
| with hypothyroidism have trouble dealing with cold | | | | thyroid is supposed to produce. Many people improve |
| temperatures. Some people also exhibit symptoms | | | | after a few weeks of taking medication. However, |
| such as a slowness in movement and slight weight | | | | some people may have to take medication for longer |
| gain. Another symptom that may appear is an | | | | periods of time. The elderly and those with immune |
| enlargement in the front of the throat. Sometimes it | | | | disorders may have to take medication indefinitely. |
| can take years for any of these symptoms to appear. | | | | Other people that may have to continue taking |
| If you are concerned that you may have | | | | hypothyroidism medication are those undergoing |
| hypothyroidism, it is best to get tested. | | | | chemotherapy or radiation treatment. |
| Your doctor will do a thorough exam including an | | | | Remember, hypothyroidism is not a death sentence. It |
| extensive medical history. If your doctor believes that | | | | is an easily treatable condition. It is important that you |
| you have hypothyroidism he or she will perform a | | | | talk to your doctor if you believe that you have |
| simple blood test. Sometimes a thyroid ultrasound may | | | | hypothyroidism. Only your doctor can diagnose and |
| be performed as well. An ultrasound is usually only | | | | treat you. Most people go on to live happy, normal lives |
| used if an enlargement of the throat is found during a | | | | after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Some are |
| physical exam. | | | | completely cured after a short period of time on the |
| It is especially important for children and pregnant | | | | medication. Some people will have to take medication |
| women to be checked for hypothyroidism. Doctors | | | | for the rest of their lives but the medication as minimal |
| are required to test newborns because hypothyroidism | | | | side effects so their quality of life should remain great. |
| can cause retardation in infants. Doctors also | | | | |