Hypoactive thyroidism is an event that occurs when the thyroid gland does not respond to the pituitary gland. When this occurs, it is referred to as hypothyroidism and means insufficient hormones are being produced in response to the stimulating hormones of the pituitary gland. Unfortunately, this disease requires lifelong treatment in order to replace the hormones that are not being produced.
Thyroid hormones
The types of hormones released by the thyroid include:
Thyroxine (T4), which contains four atoms of iodine. Triiodothyronine (T3) has three atoms of iodine attached.
The liver is responsible for turning thyroxine into its active form of Triiodothyronine. The levels of these hormones are what determine which type of thyroid disease is present. The main purpose of these hormones is to regulate how quickly your body burns energy. Changes in these hormone levels effect sleep patterns, weight, menstrual changes and erectile dysfunction.
Another hormone involved in this process is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), manufactured by the pituitary gland. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary gland releases TSH, which stimulates the thyroid to produce and secrete more hormones.
Symptoms:
Subclinical hypothyroidism is the term that describes the initial symptoms of hypothyroidism that can be overlooked and mimic other conditions. Symptoms include:
Fatigue Intolerance to cold Dry and/or pale skin Hair loss and brittle nails sore muscles, slow movements and weakness Hoarse voice a change in facial expression Depression Memory deficits and difficulty in concentrating Increased weight Constipation fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
The term Goiter refers to a swelling of one or both lobes on either side of the thyroid gland located on the lower part of the neck.
Causes:
Hypothyroidism is more common in older people. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Autoimmune conditions such as diabetes, vitiligo, and Addison's disease. Certain medications, such as lithium carbonate (psychotropic med) and amiodarone (for the heart) Inefficient amount of iodine Autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis Problems with hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism is tested by analyzing the levels of TSH and thyroid hormone levels in the blood. In most cases, a diagnosis of Autoimmune Hypothyroidism is determined by a certain amount of antibodies which affect the autoimmune system.
Treatment:
The treatment for hypothyroidism is fairly easy as it only requires replacing the missing hormones with an oral medication called levothyroxine. As with any medication, the patient will need to be monitored and the dosage adjusted until the correct amount is discovered. This can be accomplished by performing regular blood tests. Once the optimum dosage has been reached, yearly blood tests will need to be taken in order to ensure the correct amount of hormone levels is being maintained.
Since fetal thyroid development does not occur until the twelfth week of development, the fetus is fully dependant on the mothers thyroid to develop the nervous system. Any mother taking medication for hypothyroidism can feel confident in continuing her medication during pregnancy as she needs it for her health as well as the health of her baby.
If you are hypothyroid and plan to have children sometime in the future, let your doctor know of your plans so that your health can be in the most optimal condition as possible.
Thyroid hormones
The types of hormones released by the thyroid include:
Thyroxine (T4), which contains four atoms of iodine. Triiodothyronine (T3) has three atoms of iodine attached.
The liver is responsible for turning thyroxine into its active form of Triiodothyronine. The levels of these hormones are what determine which type of thyroid disease is present. The main purpose of these hormones is to regulate how quickly your body burns energy. Changes in these hormone levels effect sleep patterns, weight, menstrual changes and erectile dysfunction.
Another hormone involved in this process is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), manufactured by the pituitary gland. When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary gland releases TSH, which stimulates the thyroid to produce and secrete more hormones.
Symptoms:
Subclinical hypothyroidism is the term that describes the initial symptoms of hypothyroidism that can be overlooked and mimic other conditions. Symptoms include:
Fatigue Intolerance to cold Dry and/or pale skin Hair loss and brittle nails sore muscles, slow movements and weakness Hoarse voice a change in facial expression Depression Memory deficits and difficulty in concentrating Increased weight Constipation fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
The term Goiter refers to a swelling of one or both lobes on either side of the thyroid gland located on the lower part of the neck.
Causes:
Hypothyroidism is more common in older people. Women are more likely to be affected than men. Autoimmune conditions such as diabetes, vitiligo, and Addison's disease. Certain medications, such as lithium carbonate (psychotropic med) and amiodarone (for the heart) Inefficient amount of iodine Autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis Problems with hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism is tested by analyzing the levels of TSH and thyroid hormone levels in the blood. In most cases, a diagnosis of Autoimmune Hypothyroidism is determined by a certain amount of antibodies which affect the autoimmune system.
Treatment:
The treatment for hypothyroidism is fairly easy as it only requires replacing the missing hormones with an oral medication called levothyroxine. As with any medication, the patient will need to be monitored and the dosage adjusted until the correct amount is discovered. This can be accomplished by performing regular blood tests. Once the optimum dosage has been reached, yearly blood tests will need to be taken in order to ensure the correct amount of hormone levels is being maintained.
Since fetal thyroid development does not occur until the twelfth week of development, the fetus is fully dependant on the mothers thyroid to develop the nervous system. Any mother taking medication for hypothyroidism can feel confident in continuing her medication during pregnancy as she needs it for her health as well as the health of her baby.
If you are hypothyroid and plan to have children sometime in the future, let your doctor know of your plans so that your health can be in the most optimal condition as possible.
About the Author:
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and established health writer on Clivir.com where you can find more of her lessons including Underactive Thyroid Causes and Signs of Thyroid Disease Problems.
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