Health Conditions

Hypothyroidism	Share | Bookmark
General Description Symptoms Causes Traditional Treatments Misdiagnosis of Symptoms Vitamins & Supplements Talk With Your Doctor Wellness Plan Remedies

General Description

What is
Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine condition which occurs when
the thyroid gland experiences slowed functionality due to a decrease in thyroid
hormone production.  The thyroid is a
small, butterfly shaped gland located just above the collarbone. As a member of
the endocrine system, the thyroid is responsible for controlling many aspects
of bodily function, most notably metabolism and hormone regulation.

Hypothyroidism is a notoriously under-diagnosed
condition, and even specialists in endocrinology have a hard time coming to a
consensus as to how prevalent the condition is. It is estimated that
approximately 10% of the adult population in the United States, or around 13
million people, suffer from decreased thyroid function. However, some
specialists place the numbers much higher and estimate that around 40% of the
population, or over 52 million adults in the United States, may suffer from
decreased thyroid function.

Symptoms

• low body temperature
• dry skin
• weight gain
• brittle nails
• headaches
• hair loss
• cold hands or feet
• dizziness
• acne
• infertility
• dry eyes
• cold intolerance
• low blood pressure
• elevated cholesterol
• constipation
• easy bruising
• depression
• mood swings
• brain fog
• reduced ability to concentrate
• increased anxiety
• compromised short term memory
• recurrent infections
• Low resting body temperature
• More severe premenstrual and menstrual symptoms
• yellowing of the palms

According to Dr. Broda Barnes, author of Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, over
47 distinct symptoms of low thyroid function have been identified, with most of
them not quantifiable through blood tests. The American Council on
Collaborative Medicine asserted a similar opinion in the April 1999 article,
“The Much Mis-Diagnosed Malady,” stating that many patients who experience the
symptoms of hypothyroidism find that initial tests and blood work do not
immediately identify hypothyroidism as the issue.

For
more valuable information on the symptoms of hypothyroidism, check out our full
length report!

Causes

Unfortunately, there is no one cause for
hypothyroidism.  Instead, myriad
hypothyroidism causes have been identified by endocrinologists and health
practitioners over the years as contributing to decreased hormone production.

• Hashimoto’s
  Disease – One cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune condition that occurs when the
  white blood cells of the body mistakenly and chronically attack the thyroid,
  thereby destroying its ability to produce hormones.

• Vitamin
  and Mineral Deficiencies – Many thyroid health practitioners point to
  specific mineral deficiencies as potential causes of the condition, with iodine
  and selenium deficiencies as primary culprits. 
  Both iodine and selenium are absorbed by the thyroid gland and are
  essential to the production of thyroid hormones, as well as overall thyroid
  health.  However, insufficient amounts of
  chromium, iron, copper, zinc, Vitamin A and several Vitamin B complexes have
  also been identified as causes.

• Pesticides,
  Toxins, and Pollutants – Pesticides, pollution, and other contaminants can
  affect the functionality of the thyroid and cause a decrease in thyroid
  function.  Still others have found that
  certain medications, such as steroids, birth control, and lithium can
  contribute to hypothyroidism.  There have
  even been some reports that emotional or physical stress can also strain
  thyroid hormone production.

For more valuable information on the causes of
hypothyroidism, check out our full length report!

Traditional Treatments

The traditional form of treatment for hypothyroidism
utilizes prescription medication to supplement or replace the amount of thyroid
hormones in the body. Thyroid replacement therapy has been utilized for decades
as the number one way to deal with thyroid concerns. The benefit of such
prescribed therapies are that most patients generally feel better within four
months of beginning treatment and notice a significant decrease in their
symptoms.

• Levothyroixine
  Supplements – Levothyroxine supplements replace the amount of T4 hormone in
  the blood stream. T4 is the inactive hormone that the thyroid gland produces
  which is converted into the active metabolic hormone T3. The most popular
  brands of levothyroxine supplements include Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid and
  Levothroid. Levothyroxine supplements are the most commonly prescribed form of
  thyroid replacement therapy medication.

• Triiodothyronine
  Supplements – Triiodothyronine supplements, also known as T3 preparations,
  increase the amount of active T3 hormone in the blood stream. T3 is a hormone
  produced by the thyroid gland which enters into cells and is responsible for
  catalyzing metabolic function. The most popular brand name prescription of T3
  preparation is Cytomel. Many endocrinologists and a variety of published
  studies have found that incorporating a small amount of Cytomel into a
  patient’s thyroid replacement regime can significantly improve symptoms and
  increase overall quality of life. When combined with a T4 preparation, Cytomel
  and generic T3 preparations have been shown to specifically improve the
  symptoms of depression, brain fog, anxiety, and irritability. 

• Levothyroxine
  and Triiodothyronine Combinations – Almost all levothyroxine and triiodothyronine
  combination preparations are pig derived thyroid hormones which naturally
  incorporate both T4 and T3 as well as other byproducts of thyroid production,
  such as selenium. The most popular brand of combination therapy is Armour
  thyroid, however there are several other brands on the market. Many patients
  claim a significant improvement in their wellbeing after switching from an
  isolated T4 or synthetic T3 to a natural medication. However, as of September
  2009, many of the most popular brands of combination therapies have been pulled
  from the market by the FDA.  

For more valuable information on traditional
treatments for hypothyroidism, check out our full length report!

Misdiagnosis of Symptoms

Many patients find that one of the most challenging elements
of hypothyroidism is that its symptoms are often misdiagnosed as another
condition.  The hallmark symptoms of the
condition, such as weight gain, fatigue, low mood, and constipation, can often
appear to medical professionals as independent or unrelated issues. 

One factor that often results in a misdiagnosis of
hypothyroidism is that companion conditions and symptoms are easier to
immediately identify and therefore mistaken for the root of a patient’s issues.
Such conditions overlap with or are the result of hypothyroidism, however
treatment of their symptoms will not address the underlying cause.  The result is that a patient may be diagnosed
with several associated conditions, such as depression, Irritable Bowel
Syndrome, or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but the root cause will remain
undiagnosed and untreated.    

If you receive a diagnosis of one of the conditions below,
but suspect you might suffer from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Disease, we
advise you to seek out a second opinion or contact an endocrinologist or
alternative healer versed in thyroid dysfunction. To prevent misdiagnosis of
your hypothyroid symptoms, but sure to go to your appointment armed with as
detailed observations of your health as possible. 

• Depression
  – Depression is an emotional state characterized by persistent and
  pervasive low mood. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, anger,
  guilt, or anxiety, abnormal irritability, carbohydrate cravings, lack of
  interest in daily activities or work, lowered libido, and persistent mental and
  physical fatigue. Depression and hypothyroidism share many symptoms in common,
  such as weight gain, loss of interest in daily activities, and fatigue, which
  may lead untrained medical professionals to mistake the two.  If you suffer from hypothyroidism but are
  diagnosed with depression, you will note that while your mood may lift with
  prescription drugs you will still experience other symptoms of low thyroid
  function, such as intolerance to cold, constipation, fatigue, muscle weakness,
  and dry skin.

• Aging – In
  patients over 50, the characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism are often
  written off as simple signs of aging. 
  While there is evidence that an individual’s thyroid function
  deteriorates over time and contributes to aging, simple hormone replacement or
  alternative remedies can reduce the amount of decline and prevent it from
  negatively affecting quality of life.  If
  you have hypothyroidism but are told your symptoms are simply a product of
  getting older, you will continue to experience a reduction in mental and
  physical well being, energy, and capacity quicker and more profoundly than your
  peers. We at Health911 strongly recommend you seek a second opinion immediately
  if your health care provider brushes your symptoms off casually by suggesting
  it is aging.

• Chronic
  Fatigue Syndrome – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that is
  characterized by an individual experiencing constant serious fatigue that is
  not relieved by rest or sleep. This fatigue gets worse after physical exertion
  or stress.  The condition is not fully
  understood by the medical community at this time, and both a cause and cure
  have yet to be identified. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is hard to quantify and
  therefore should not be given as a diagnosis until all other potential causes
  for the fatigue are eliminated.  If you
  receive a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, be sure to press your health
  care provider to check your thyroid levels.  

• Irritable
  Bowel Syndrome – Irritable Bowel Syndrome, known better simply as IBS, is
  an intestinal disorder characterized by a host of gastrointestinal symptoms
  including increased flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, and
  cramping. Many patients who suffer from hypothyroidism have reported one of the
  conditions they are often initially diagnosed with is IBS characterized by
  constipation.  A sluggish digestive
  system can explain fatigue, weight gain, irritability, and a general lack of
  energy.  This is where having detailed
  notes about your symptoms will play a key role, especially information
  regarding your lowered basal body temperature. Remember, if your medical
  professional jumps immediately to the conclusion of Irritable Bowel Syndrome,
  insist that your thyroid levels are checked. Click here to read more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

For
more valuable information on the potential misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism,
check out our full length report!