Hypothyroidism symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, depression, hair loss, and more.
A blood test to measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is used to diagnose hypothyroidism.
Medication can be used to treat low TSH levels.
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Thyroid medications are a simple treatment that can counteract many of the symptoms of thyroid disease.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism among Americans isHashimotos disease.
This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland.
This is inaccurate since Hashimotos disease is only one possible cause of an underactive thyroid.
Risk Factors
In general, females are more likely to experience an underactive thyroid than males.
The condition also becomes more common with age, and is more prevalent in people 60 and older.
Other risk factors for hypothyroidism are:
Certain other health conditions increase your risk for an underactive thyroid.
These include:
What Causes Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the thyroid increases in size.
This means that hypothyroidism is more common in pregnancy.
Complications
The complications of hypothyroidism include:
Can It Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Blood tests can measure the amount of thyroid hormones.
You may have THS, T3, T4, or thyroid antibody tests, or a combination of tests.
They will measure specific hormone levels to determine whether your thyroid is operating at the right level.
After that, youll get blood work about every six months.
Depending on the cause of your hypothyroidism, your healthcare provider may also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes.
Summary
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid that is underactive and doesnt produce as much hormone as it should.
With these medications, an underactive thyroid can be well managed and have a minimal impact on your life.
National Institutes of Health.Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hypothyroidism.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Hypothyroidism in children.
Nemours Kids Health.Congenital hypothyroidism.
American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism in pregnancy.
Penn Medicine.How thyroid issues can hurt your sex life.
Jan. 2019
National Health Service.Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) treatment.
