Hypothyroidism or hypoactive thyroid is the result of the thyroid gland not responding to the pituitary glands release of thyroid hormones. This then results in insufficient levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Unfortunately, this disease requires lifelong treatment to replace the hormone that is not being produced.

Thyroid hormones

The hormones secreted by the thyroid are:

Thyroxine (T4), which contains four atoms of iodine. Triiodothyronine (T3) has three atoms of iodine attached.

The livers job is to transform thyroxine to its active form called Triiodothyronine. The variation of these levels determines which thyroid disease is present. Both of these hormones work together to determine how much energy your body burns. A fluctuation of these hormones can affect both men and women in the areas of sleep, weight, menstrual changes and erectile dysfunction.

Another type of hormone present in this process is TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which is released by the pituitary gland. If the TSH levels are too low, the thyroid is stimulated to produce and secrete additional amounts of hormones.

Symptoms:

There are some symptoms of hypothyroidism that can often be overlooked or mimic other conditions. These are commonly referred to as Subclinical hypothyroidism and 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)

Goiter is a swelling in one or both lobes that site on either side of the thyroid gland, that appears as an enlargement on the lower aspect 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 diagnosed by testing the blood TSH levels and thyroid hormone levels in the blood. A diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism is usually determined by the presence of certain antibodies in the blood, which show as a problem with autoimmunity.

Treatment:

In order to treat hypothyroidism, all that is required is taking an oral medication called levothyroxine. In order to get the correct dosage, a medical professional will need to monitor you with regular blood tests and fluctuation of medication until the optimum dosage is reached. Once the dosage is determined, once yearly blood tests will allow your healthcare provider to ensure proper hormone levels are 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 someone diagnosed with hypoactive thyroid wishes to have a child, they should inform their healthcare provider. This will ensure that the patients health is at optimum performance.

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.