Causes and Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyrpoid, is a prevalent disease in the United States affecting all of the population groups to some extent. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands, the small butterfly looking organ near your throat, do not secrete enough thyroid hormone to satisfy bodily needs. Although most common in women of 60 years or older, hypothyroidism can also target children, teenagers and males. Hypothyroidism in itself is not an extremely serious disease, prescription medicine can quickly diminish symptoms, but if left untreated for long periods of time it could become a more serious problem. Hypothyroidism, the under-secretion of important hormones, is not well known among the general public but it is a prevalent disease in our society and can be treated easily if detected early.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in adults and general symptoms include extreme fatigue, sensitivity to the cold, constipation, dry and brittle skin, weight gain, bloating in the face, higher cholesterol levels, muscle and joint pain and stiffness, hair thinning, memory problems. When found in infants, hypothyroidism may also cause jaundice, choking, protruding tongue, poor muscle tone and excessive sleeping. When found in teens, along with general symptoms, hypothyroidism also causes poor growth, delayed development of teeth and delayed puberty. Many of these symptoms in itself may not be harmful but if multiple symptoms present themselves, it is always better to get checked by a doctor to rule out hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is caused by many factors common to the general public. When people suffer from autoimmune diseases, they are likely to suffer from hypothyroidism. Sometimes when the antibodies fight against the thyroid, it will impact its production of necessary hormones. Hypothyroidism can also result after congenital disease, pituitary disorder, pregnancy, iodine deficiency, and also if there is family history. People are at increased risk if they are women older than 60, have family history of hypothyroidism and autoimmune diseases, have had radiation to throat or thyroid surgery, or have been pregnant recently. When hypothyroidism is not treated, it could cause goiter, the condition when the thyroid gland becomes larger, heart problems, mental health instabilities like depression, damage to peripheral nerves, and a life threatening condition called myxedema that is caused by undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Some other major risk factors is birth defects in unborn babies, and even infertility in pregnant women.

Hypothyroidism can easily be diagnosed through a simple blood test in your physician’s office.