Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, Hypothyroidism is an endocrine condition characterized by having an underactive thyroid gland, which results in a deficiency in the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx) and it releases the hormones that regulate the body’s energy and control metabolism.
hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop slowly over time – sometimes years.
They can include:
If your doctor suspects that you have hypothyroidism, he or she will obtain a blood sample and test your levels of thyroid hormone. The main way to diagnose hypothyroidism is a blood test called the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism your doctor will prescribe a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone. About 1 to 2 weeks after you start treatment, you will likely notice that your levels of fatigue have improved. It is important that you take your medication exactly as prescribed and not miss any doses as well as maintain routine checkups with your primary health care provider. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels about 6 to 8 weeks after you begin therapy and make any necessary dosage adjustments. If your dose needs to be adjusted, you will require more labs to check your TSH levels. Once you are at a stable dose, your doctor will typically require you to have blood tests repeated in 6 months, and then once a year after that.