A Simple Guide to Hypothyroidism

A Simple Guide to Hypothyroidism
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What is Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) ?
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Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by insufficient production of the thyroid hormones, usually more common in females.

What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?
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Primary causes:
1.Congenital:
Aplasia(no thyroid), Hypoplasia(small thyroid), ectopic(not at normal site) thyroid gland

2.Autoimmune Thyroiditis(hashimoto thyroiditis):
inflammation cause insuffient production of thyroid hormones

3.Iodine deficiency can cause less production of thyroxine

Secondary Causes:
1.Radioactive iodine reduces production of thyroid hormones

2.Excess removal of thyroid gland causes reduced production of thyroid hormones.

3.Hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy.
These women develop antibodies to their own thyroid gland resulting in underproduction of thyroid hormones.

Other rarer causes include
4. radiation treatment for cancers of the head and neck,

5.pituitary problems

What are the symptoms and signs of Hypothyroidism?
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Symptoms

Congenital Hypothyroidism:
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1.puffy face

2.enlarged protruberant tongue

3.hypotonia

4.sluggish reflexes

5.enlarged fontanelle

6.retardation of development

Adult Hypothyroidism:
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1.Slowness of movement

2.slowness of thought

3.unexplained weight gain

4.cold intolerance

5.dry coarse skin

6.hair loss

7.puffy face

8.menorrhagia

9.constipation

10.depression

11.husky voice

12.bradycardia(slow heart beats)

How is the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism made?
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1.blood test is done for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels.
TSH is usually high for Hypothyroidism

2.blood test for T4 and T3 levels.
Low levels of T4 and T3 usually means HYpothyroidism

3.Thyroid ultrasound scan for ectopic and congenital hyothyroids

What is the Treatment of Hypothyroidism?
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1.Hormone replacement with daily doses of synthetic thyroxine

2.Blood is taken regularly to test the level of TSH.

3.thyroxine dosage is adjusted until there is a normal TSH level.

4.Life long treatment of patients with thyroid hormones

What is the Prognosis of Hypothyroidism?
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Dramatic response and very good reaction to treatment occurs in most cases.

Mental retardation and slow physical development occurs in congenital hypothyroidism