Underactive Thyroid

Underactive thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism or "low thyroid." As these names imply, the condition results from the underproduction of thyroid hormones.

An `underactive' or `hypoactive' thyroid is often characterized by sluggishness or listlessness. Weight gain and irregular infrequent menstruation in women are also typical.

If it is untreated, hypothyroidism can cause a condition known as a myxedema coma, which is a rare but sometimes fatal condition.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks and damages thyroid tissue, which leads to lower hormone production.

Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous for newborns and infants because it can lead to the mental retardation and stunted growth. In the United States, the thyroid levels of infants is usually checked soon after birth. If levels are low, treatment begins immediately.

Hypothyroidism can usually be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Underactive Thyroid Causes

Causes of underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism include:

Loss of tissue When underactive thyroid is treated with radiation, tissue destruction may occur. Surgical removal of thyroid tissue can also cause hypothyroidism.

Exposure to excessive amounts of iodine These can be found in cold and sinus medicines, a heart medication known as amiodarone, or certain contrast dyes given before some X-rays.

Lithium This drug is often used to treat manic-depression. But one believed that one of it's side effects can be underactive thyroid.

Antithyroid antibodies People who have diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic hepatitis may have antibodies that cause decreased thyroid hormone production.

Congenital factors Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid can appear at birth, but thanks to a nationwide infant screening program it is usually diagnosed and treated quickly.

Thyroid hormone production deficiencies This consition usually results in a goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland itself. A goiter is often visible as swelling in the front of the neck.

Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid

The body's requires a certain level of thyroid hormone production to maintain energy levels. Therefore, as mentioned above, fatigue, sluggishness a general lack of energy are typical symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

Symptoms vary somewhat by age. Infants will exhibit the following:

• constipation
• poor feeding
• jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• excessive tiredness

Symptoms in adults could include

• fatigue and exhaustion
• low tolerance to cold temperatures
• constipation
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• lack of appetite
• increased weight
• dry skin
• hair loss
• a reduction of intellectual ability
• deeper, hoarse voice
• puffiness around the eyes
• depression

Underactive Thyroid Treatment

Generally speaking, underactive thyroid is relatively simple and to treat for most patients. Simply taking a thyroid hormone pill known as Levothyroxine once a day will relieve symptoms. Levothyroxine is a pure synthetic made in a laboratory and is formulated to be an exact replacement for a key hormone known as T4. It's important, of course, to determine a proper dosage. This can be done by working with your doctor.

Some patients will notice improvement in as little as a week or two, but it's often about a month before the patient begins to feel normal. Once hypothyroidism has begun, it often continues for the rest of the patient's life.

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