Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped structure located in the front of the neck. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of a substance called thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate the body's metabolism. Hypothyroidism develops in about 5% of the population in the United States and is especially common in women older than 60 years.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes the production of thyroid hormone to decrease.
Treatments for certain thyroid diseases can damage the thyroid gland, especially radioactive iodine that is often used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Surgery to remove most or all of the gland, usually done when there is a thyroid tumor, will also cause hypothyroidism.
Certain drugs can cause hypothyroidism, particularly lithium and the heart medication amiodarone.
Sometimes the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone because the pituitary gland near the brain is not functioning properly. The pituitary gland signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone through the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH.
Weight gain (usually no more than 10 to 15 pounds) and difficulty losing weight
Cold intolerance
Dry hair and skin
Decreased sex drive
Fatigue)
Weakness
Muscle cramps
Depression
Patients with mild hypothyroidism may not have any symptoms.
In some people, the thyroid gland may enlarge in an effort to produce the thyroid hormone that the body needs and become visible in the neck, forming what is known as a goiter.
In most cases, hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed with a blood test that measures levels of TSH and thyroid hormone in the blood. An endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in glands and hormones) may be helpful in evaluating the cause and determining treatment options.
Hypothyroidism is usually easy to treat with a once-a-day pill containing synthetic thyroid hormone. However, blood tests and several visits with a physician may be needed to determine the correct dosage. The benefits of treatment may not be apparent for a month or longer.
The Hormone Foundation
800/HORMONE (467-6663)
http://www.hormone.org
American Thyroid Association
800/THYROID (849-7643)
http://www.thyroid.org
Thyroid Foundation of America
800/832-8321
http://www.allthyroid.org
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Sharon Parmet, MS, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2003;290(22):3024. doi:10.1001/jama.290.22.2914.
JAMA. 2003;290(22):3024. doi:10.1001/jama.290.22.2914.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped structure located in the front of the neck. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of a substance called thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate the body's metabolism. Hypothyroidism develops in about 5% of the population in the United States and is especially common in women older than 60 years.
CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
Patients with mild hypothyroidism may not have any symptoms.
In some people, the thyroid gland may enlarge in an effort to produce the thyroid hormone that the body needs and become visible in the neck, forming what is known as a goiter.
DIAGNOSIS
In most cases, hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed with a blood test that measures levels of TSH and thyroid hormone in the blood. An endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in glands and hormones) may be helpful in evaluating the cause and determining treatment options.
TREATMENT
Hypothyroidism is usually easy to treat with a once-a-day pill containing synthetic thyroid hormone. However, blood tests and several visits with a physician may be needed to determine the correct dosage. The benefits of treatment may not be apparent for a month or longer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
http://www.hormone.org
http://www.thyroid.org
http://www.allthyroid.org
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PEMBROKE PINES - 17890 NW 2 St., Pembroke Pines, FL 33029. Telephone (954) 442-6090, FAX (954) 442-0070
Email: Info@luislugomd.com
DON'T WASTE TIME HOLDING ON THE TELEPHONE. Do you need to make a reservation? Check on a Referral? Request a Prescription Refill? Request Medical Records? No need to call the office. Get help fast by logging on to our PATIENT PORTAL. Ask us about WEB ENABLE on your next Office Visit. All of your Health Needs are right at your fingertips. You can even access your Health Information SECURLY from your Mobile Phone or Tablet. Download the free Mobile App Today. DOWNLOAD THE FREE HEALOW MOBILE APP BY CLICKING HERE, then find us by using our unique practice code. GGAHBA. To use the Patient Portal, please call the office and ask to be Web Enabled. You will need a valid Email Address to receive instructions on the Patient Portal. New Patients may also join us by clicking on the Patient Portal Link at the top of this page then click the Pre Registration Button. Note. Pre Registration is only for new Patients. Regular patients need to be Web Enabled. Call and ask us how to get access.