The Hypothyroidism Handbook

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by a disorder in the endocrine system which causes the thyroid gland to be unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormones known as thyroxine (T4) and triodothyronine (T3). The signs and symptoms are varied and in some children, symptoms are not palpable at all especially if the case is only mild. In severe cases, however, hypothyroidism can delay the growth and intellectual development of the child causing severe medical condition known as cretinism. When suspected, the method used for diagnosis is through a series of blood tests that measure the thyroxine levels in the blood and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is insufficient supply of iodine in the diet. This situation is fairly common worldwide. In countries with enough dietary iodine though, the common cause of hypothyroidism is the condition known as Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an auto-immune medical condition wherein the body's own immune cells destroy and attack the thyroid gland. There are other possible causes of hypothyroidism including injury to the hypothalamic area of the brain, history on radioactive iodine treatment, injury to the anterior pituitary gland, inborn thyroid malfunction, medications and history of thyroid surgery.

Hypothyroidism can also cause other disorders that directly or indirectly affect the thyroid gland. Since thyroid hormones affect mental development, cellular processes and growth, the insufficient production of thyroid hormones can bring a widespread abnormality in the body's internal processes.

Hypothyroidism can certainly be treated but it could require a lifelong medication. A dose of manufactured L-thyroxine is enough to bring back the levels of TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormones in normal levels. Dosage varies according to the symptoms and level of hormones lacking. Medications, however, can last a lifetime with the exception of other pre-conceived conditions.

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