Facts and Figures About Hypothyroidism: Everything You Should Know

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, essential for every cell in the body to function. This article provides an overview of hypothyroidism, what it is, and more importantly, what it isn’t and a little about hormone tests for women.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

If you suspect that you may have hypothyroidism, it is important to be aware of the symptoms to seek treatment. Hypothyroidism can cause several different symptoms; some people may experience more or fewer symptoms than others.

Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, muscle weakness, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and hair loss. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have any concerns about your thyroid health, be sure to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Other symptoms can include:

• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels
• Depression

Causes of Hypothyroidism

There are many causes of hypothyroidism, but the most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s disease. Hashimoto’s disease is the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland, which can lead to the production of too little thyroid hormone. Other causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Thyroiditis: This is a thyroid gland inflammation that a viral infection or autoimmune disorder can cause.
• Surgery: Removing the thyroid gland, either due to cancer or another, can lead to a deficiency in thyroid hormone production.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the neck can damage the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism.
• Congenital hypothyroidism: It is a condition present at birth in which the thyroid gland does not function properly.

You must see your doctor for a diagnosis if you think you may have hypothyroidism. Once the cause of your hypothyroidism is determined, treatment can begin.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism

If you suspect that you may have hypothyroidism, it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. There are a few different ways that doctors can diagnose hypothyroidism, which include:

• Blood tests: A blood test is the most common way to diagnose hypothyroidism. This test can measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood.
• Imaging tests: An imaging test, such as an ultrasound or MRI, can sometimes be used to look at the size and shape of your thyroid gland.
• Thyroid function tests: These tests measure how well your thyroid gland is working.
• Biopsy: In some cases, a thyroid gland biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

Once hypothyroidism has been diagnosed, treatment typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication daily.

Treatments for hypothyroidism

There are many treatments for hypothyroidism, and the right one for you will depend on your condition’s severity and overall health. In most cases, treatment involves taking thyroid hormone replacement pills daily.

If you have mild hypothyroidism, you may not need medication. Instead, your doctor may recommend changing your diet, such as eating more iodine-rich foods or taking a supplement.

For more severe cases of hypothyroidism, medication is usually necessary. Surgery is rarely needed to treat hypothyroidism. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the thyroid gland if it’s enlarged or has developed cancerous growths.

Conclusion

Simira Diagnostic is a great place to get a hormone test for women. The staff is very knowledgeable and can help you determine which tests are right for you. They offer a variety of tests, including testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone levels. They also offer thyroid testing and adrenal gland testing. Simira Diagnostic is a great resource for women who want to ensure their hormone levels are healthy via a certified hormone test.