| Hypothyroidism is a health condition indicating an under | | | | - Unexplainable weight gain |
| active thyroid gland. This means that your thyroid gland | | | | - Constipation |
| is not able to produce enough thyroid hormone to keep | | | | - Forgetfulness |
| your body processes running smoothly. This means | | | | - Depression |
| the presence of too little thyroid hormone in your body, | | | | - Goiter |
| compared to the required amount. | | | | - Increased sensitivity to cold |
| What causes Hypothyroidism? Who are at risk ? | | | | - Muscle aches and pains |
| Hypothyroidism is commonly caused by your body's | | | | - Menstrual irregularities |
| own immune system attacking your thyroid gland. This | | | | - Decreased libido |
| is termed as Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is the root | | | | More advanced symptoms of hypothyroidism are: |
| cause for approximately 90% of all hypothyroidism | | | | - Slowed speech |
| cases. It can also occur if you were subjected to | | | | - Hoarse, breaking voice |
| previous thyroid surgery, radiation to the head and | | | | - Puffy face, hands, and feet |
| neck, or the over-treatment for hyperthyroidism. | | | | - Heart problems |
| Women are found to be more prone to this condition | | | | How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed ? |
| compared to men by five to eight times. | | | | Studies suggest that approximately 13 million people |
| What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroid ? | | | | with hypothyroidism in America alone are undiagnosed. |
| Initially, you may not be able to detect the presence of | | | | Blood tests are done to measure the levels of your |
| this disease as the initial symptoms are vague and | | | | thyroid hormone and TSH to confirm if you have the |
| may go unnoticed for years. However, as your body is | | | | disease. Your doctor will also do a physical exam to |
| continually being short of the thyroid hormone, more | | | | look for visible signs of hypothyroidism or any of the |
| clear symptoms surfaces and they become more | | | | symptoms mentioned above. |
| obvious and severe. | | | | How can Hypothyroidism be treated ? |
| Early symptoms include: | | | | Hypothyroidism can easily be treated if diagnosed |
| - Feeling tired often | | | | early. Thyroid replacement hormone therapy is usually |
| - Thinning and loss of hair | | | | recommended with levothyroxine (T4) as the standard. |
| - Dry and itchy skin | | | | With this, Hypothyroidism can be completely controlled. |