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Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck below the Adam’s apple. It helps control the body’s metabolic rate by producing the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). A metabolic rate is the rate of chemical processes occurring within the body that are necessary to maintain life. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The metabolic rate falls and normal bodily functions slow down. Primary hypothyroidism occurs when there is a problem with the thyroid gland itself. It’s caused by an autoimmune process where the body produces antibodies that attack and gradually destroy the thyroid gland.
Symptoms aren’t always obvious, and hypothyroidism may sometimes be mistaken for other diseases. Symptoms can include:
- coarse and dry hair
- cold intolerance
- confusion or forgetfulness
- constipation
- depression
- dry, scaly skin
- fatigue
- hair loss
- irritability
- lowered body temperature
- muscle cramps
- personality changes
- sexual dysfunction
- slower heart rate
- weakness
- weight gain
If your doctor suspects hypothyroidism, tests can be performed to check how well the thyroid gland is functioning. Thyroid scans, using radioactive iodine or technetium, allow doctors to see the thyroid gland and identify areas that are less active. Thyroid ultrasound scans provide a detailed anatomic imaging of the gland, and can identify lesions, provide accurate size measurement, and show blood flow properties throughout the gland.
Treating hypothyroidism requires replacing hormones with synthetic or natural thyroid hormones. So-called “natural” thyroid supplements, which usually contain ground-up thyroid glands from animals, are rarely used now. This is because they can cause allergic reactions and do not provide a consistent dose of T4.
Hypothyroidism tends to get worse over time and even mild cases should be regularly monitored. If you have further questions about hypothyroidism, speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist today.