For those who suffer from the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), it can affect your life immensely on a daily basis. If you are constantly suffering from the following, it may be time to consult a health professional and take the steps to relieve these symptoms.

NO ENERGY
Feeling exhausted all the time, regardless of how much you sleep is one indicator. Also weakness in your muscles that were once able to cope with your lifestyle and an absolute lack of energy when you feel that there shouldn’t be any reason why it’s virtually non existent. You may also find your reflexes to be very slow and pain or stiffness in the joints and muscles.

CHANGE IN APPEARANCE
If your hair and nails are brittle and breaking off, your skin is very dry and flaky and your knees, elbows and heels are extremely cracked it may be a sign of hypothyroidism. It may be a cause of weight gain that seems excessive or unreasonable. The most obvious change to you might be a noticeable lump in the throat or enlarged gland. Less common symptoms are rashes and dry eyes or mouth.

UNABLE TO FUNCTION
You might be finding it hard to make decisions. Struggling with focus and concentration or really forgetful and finding it hard to keep track of things. Libido levels could be low and hard to control and sadly infertility could be an issue.

There are other symptoms such as dizziness and irregular heartbeat, just to name a couple. It is likely you may have some but not all of these symptoms but it is still important to follow up and find out more.
Symptoms are different for everyone. Sometimes it’s common not to connect all the symptoms you may be suffering from and put them all down to one thing. Especially when it’s normal for a person to rationalize and assume it may be something within their control. ‘My skins dry because I’m not drinking enough water’ or ‘I’m just not getting enough sleep’. ‘I’m stressed because of work’ or ‘I’m just over being the decisive one’. These are all things surely we’ve all told ourselves at some point in time.

Sure enough, there is an element of control when it comes to hypothyroidism. There are many different causes but one of the main ones is iodine deficiency. By increasing your intake of iodine you may notice an improvement. Iodine is found in various foods including seafood, bread and salt (although increasing salt intake may certainly increase chances of developing other problems). By eating well in general and consuming a variety of nutrient enriched foods you may be helping your body more than you know. Exercise can help also but it is important that if you suspect hypothyroidism to see your doctor. If left untreated this disorder can produce many other problems that are considered to be much worse. Of course your quality of life is enough reason to seek medical advice anyway.

Hypothyroidism is a very common ailment which is found more commonly in women and keeps growing with the age. Every 3 to 5 % of the population is suffering from hypothyroidism.

Some of the common causes resulting hypothyroidism in adults are as follows:

• HASHIMOTO’S THYROID
In this form of hypothyroidism, the immune system of the human body attacks the thyroid tissues. As a result, the thyroid gland enlarges and its ability to form thyroid hormones reduces. This kind of hypothyroidism is mostly found in women in a proportion of about 5 to 10 times more than men. Hashimoto’s Thyroid is recognized as the autoimmune disease and usually the patients of hashimoto thyroid suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases like diabetes or pernicious anemia. The identification of the disease can be made by detecting the anti-TPO antibodies present in the blood or by conducting a thyroid scan.

• LYMPHOCYTIC THYROIDITIS
It causes inflammation in the thyroid gland and occurs due to the type of white blood cell called lymphocyte. This form of thyroid, large amount of thyroid hormone leaks out of the inflamed gland. The ailment generally develops after the pregnancy. About 8 % of women suffer after the delivery.
The patients suffering from hyperthyroid condition such as graves diseases are treated with the radioactive iodine. As a result of such treatment, they are left with a minimal or relatively zero functioning of thyroid tissue thereafter. It depends on large number of factors involved in the treatment like the dose of iodine provided as per the size and the activity of the thyroid gland. If no significant activity of the thyroid gland takes place within the 6 months after the radioactive treatment then it is assumed to be silent with no functioning. Also the hypothyroidism is followed by the removal of thyroid gland as a result of surgery.

• PITUITARY OR HYPOTHALAMIC DISEASE
The pituitary gland or the hypothalamuses are not able to function properly with the production of reduced levels of T4 and T3 circulations, even though the thyroid gland is normal. This ailment is also called as tertiary hypothyroidism.

• PITUITARY INJURY
It may occur if the patient had undergone brain surgery or due to the less amount of blood supply in the brain. In such cases the TSH as generated by the pituitary gland becomes deficient with the low blood levels of TSH. Hypothyroidism is caused because the pituitary TSH is not being stimulated by the Thyroid gland. The ailment occurs in association with the other hormone deficiencies as pituitary regulates the other processes of growth, reproduction and adrenal function.

• Medications
Medications are being used to cure over-active thyroid actually result in hypothyroidism. These drugs constitute methimazole (Tapazole) and propylthiouracil (PTU). The other medication includes the use of psychiatric medication called lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) that is being considered as the cause for hypothyroidism. Also the drugs having large amount of iodine in it like amiodarone (cordaron), potassium iodide (SSKI) and Lugol’s solution may result in the changes in the thyroid function resulting in the low blood levels of thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism Problems may be Easily Solvable

There are approximately twenty seven million people in the US who suffer from thyroid disease, many of which have gone undiagnosed. The disease often goes misdiagnosed and overlooked in favor of more popular maladies. Yet thyroid disease has an effect on nearly every aspect of a person’s health. Far more women than men are diagnosed with thyroid problems each year and the risk of developing problems with this small hormone producing gland increase with age. Hyperthyroidism refers to an over productive thyroid which produces over activity and weight loss. Hypothyroidism problems occur when the thyroid gland operates to sluggishly and causes weight gain, depression, and lack of energy and libido among other symptoms.

What does the thyroid do?

A small gland, the thyroid is shaped like a butterfly and wraps around the windpipe in the area of the Adam’s Apple in your neck. This small gland produces various hormones necessary for bodily functions. The two most important hormones produced are triiodothyronine (T3) along with thyroxine (T4) which serve to help oxygen get in to cells. T3 and T4 refer to a number of molecules of iodine present in each hormone molecule. This tiny gland is the master gland of your metabolism and so very vital to your very existence.

Here we find the body’s only cells that are capable of absorption of iodine. The iodine, which comes from foods, supplements, and iodized salt is converted into those hormones mentioned (T3 and T4), with eighty percent derived from the T4 hormone and the other twenty percent coming from T3.

These hormones, once they’ve been released by the thyroid gland, help cells convert calories and oxygen into energy.

What causes thyroid disease and hypothyroidism problems?

Among the many things that can go wrong with the thyroid gland are:

• Radiation exposure
• Intake of too much soy protein in the form of capsules and powders. This is a isoflavone rich product derived from soy.
• Certain drugs such as cordarone (heart medication) and lithium
• Too much or too little iodine
• Radiation treatments in the area of throat, neck, or chest.
• Eating too much of the foods considered “goitrongenic” such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, and rutabaga among others.
• Being surgically treated for cancer or goiter resulting in removal of the thyroid gland. This leaves you hypothyroid.
• Radioactive treatments involving iodine to treat Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism, also leaving the patient hypothyroid.

Those who will most likely have a higher risk of development of diseases of the thyroid include:

• Family members with problems relating to the thyroid
• Having another endocrine related disease
• Some other form of autoimmune disease in your family
• A diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
• Being female
• Having recently given birth
• Nearing menopause
• Being a smoker
• Exposure to radiation
• Exposure to lithium
• Exposure to chemicals such as fluoride or perchlorate (salts)

Hypothyroidism problems have many causes and most are controllable by use of drug therapy, the drug of choice being Levothyroxine. In some cases, surgery may be the treatment of choice but not commonly.

Hypothyroidism Disease and Depression

Confusing common depression for hypothyroidism commonly occurs as they each have symptoms in common. Testing will show if it is a thyroid disease or not and in either case a doctor should be consulted for assistance. If you feel tired and “down” or depressed it may be assumed that you are suffering from depression. But it is always advisable to have a thyroid check done to make sure because even though symptoms may be similar, each has its own remedy along with ill effects.

Just what is hypothyroidism?

A disease of the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism occurs when there is not enough of the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) produced by the thyroid gland which is situated beneath the larynx (voice box). This gland is necessary for various body functions including temperature and bowel regulation among others. While hypothyroidism is found in both sexes, it is far more prevalent in females.

Hypothyroidism depression

People who feel tired, depressed, constantly sleepy, suffer from lack of libido, and generally feel apathetic may be diagnosed as suffering from either clinical depression or hypothyroidism that results in depression. A doctor can check your thyroid and soon diagnose you as having one malady or the other.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism so in cases where they are found to be lacking, can result in:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Pain in joints and muscles
• Brittle and thin hair and fingernails
• Intolerance of the cold
• Paleness

If allowed to progress, the disease gives symptoms of:

• Dry flaky hair
• Slow speech
• Puffiness of hands and feet, as well as face
• Thin eyebrows
• Menstrual cycle abnormalities
• Hoarseness

Diagnosing hypothyroidism

A doctor can evaluate you for thyroid deficiency that results in hypothyroidism depression and other symptoms. The exam includes thorough inspection of hair, skin and blood. They will be looking for the above symptoms and also check heart rate, reflexes, and body temperature. Blood tests will determine how effectively your thyroid gland is in producing the hormones your body requires.

A positive result in the testing may include additional blood tests which include checking on cholesterol, serum prolactin, serum sodium, a CBC (complete blood count), and liver enzymes. The disruption of one or all of the normal hormonal activities can cause hypothyroidism depression and general loss of apathy.

Treating thyroid disorders and hypothyroidism depression

If the diagnosis is hypothyroidism, the drug of choice is Levothyroxine. It works for most patients and will become a medication used by those who suffer from thyroid disease for the rest of their life. The medication will restore hormone levels the thyroid no longer controls, to normal limits.

Hypothyroidism depression reacts to the proper medication particularly well. Patients who suffer from constant tiredness, lack of motivation and energy, sleep too much or too little, and feel depressed or anxious continually, when combined with the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, may well suffer from thyroid disease and hypothyroidism depression.

The traditional medication, Levothyroxine, will soon bring the chemistry of your body under control.

Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy

Thyroid disease

Various forms of thyroid disease are common in women of child bearing age, and particularly while a woman is pregnant. Symptoms of either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism disease may be present and exacerbated by the hormonal increase produced during pregnancy. Both forms of thyroid disease may be present following pregnancy, first one and then the other (sequentially).

Postpartum thyroid disease

Approximately five percent of women who have hypothyroidism pregnancy may be affected within one year post partum (after giving birth). This is also known as postpartum thyroid disease and about one in five women who have experienced hypothyroidism post partum will develop the disease on a permanent basis and require treatment for the remainder of their life.

As this condition is mainly due to over active hormones and thyroid activity, hyperthyroidism is generally the first phase to be seen. The symptoms of postpartum thyroid disease usually dissipate after childbirth and are considered to be a resolving thyroiditis or thyroid disease.

A common phenomenon of hypothyroidism and pregnancy is the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is the result of swelling of the tenysynovium (a thin tissue covering tendons in the wrist).

Thyroid disease or specifically hypothyroidism disease is very common in women of child bearing age and results in complications during pregnancy in some instances. Approximately two and a half percent of women who become pregnant are affected by hypothyroidism.

The Thyroid gland

Weighing in at about one half pound or fifteen grams, the thyroid gland can be found just beneath the Adam’s apple or cricoid cartilage at the front of ones neck. This very important gland has the responsibility of producing thyroid hormone for the body. The brain signals the gland to produce more or less of this vital hormone according to what is required at any given time. These signals are sent via the pituitary and hypothalamus, which are specialized areas in the human brain. This signal tells the thyroid gland to produce TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone, which in turn, promotes the production of thyroid hormones.

Disease of the Thyroid gland

Unfortunately, thyroid gland disease is very common and results in either production of too much hormone or too little. Either way, there are complications as a result. Thyroid hormone, called thyroxine (T4) may be in short supply or even missing if the thyroid gland has been destroyed or damaged. Too much T4 (hyperthyroidism) results in patients being emotionally hyper, they may feel restless, also hot and sweaty. They may lose weight and have frequent bowel movements. On the other hand, low levels of T4 may produce lethargy, weight gain, fatigue, and constipation. They may also feel extremely cold most of the time.

How can hypothyroidism disease be treated while pregnant?

Special care must be taken whenever a woman is pregnant but the treatment of hypothyroidism is pretty much straight forward. Synthetic T4 (thyroxine) is given as a replacement to the hormone that is missing and close tabs are kept on the woman in case an adjustment must be made in the dosage.

Consequences of hypothyroid disease while pregnant

Some medical experts think an iodine deficiency is to blame for much of the thyroid gland problems. There is some evidence that developmental delay may be the result of hypothyroidism pregnancy or the mother’s hypothyroidism while pregnant.