What is Hypothyroidism?

What is hypothyroidism?

The shortage of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream is called Hypothyroidism and results in slow metabolism.

How does my thyroid work?

• The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of your neck just under the voice box (larynx).

• The thyroid creates the hormones to control your metabolism.

• These hormones work throughout the body to tell the body’s cells how much energy to use.

• They control your body temperature and heart rate.

What causes hypothyroidism?

• A primary cause is a condition that directly impacts the thyroid and causes it to create low levels of thyroid hormones.

• A secondary cause is something that causes the pituitary gland to fail, which means it can’t end thyroid-stimulating hormone to the thyroid to balance out the thyroid hormones.

• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid).

• Treatment of hyperthyroidism (radiation and surgical removal of the thyroid).

• Iodine deficiency (not having enough iodine — a mineral your thyroid uses to make hormones – in your body).

• Hereditary conditions (a medical condition passed down through your family).

• In some cases, thyroiditis can happen after pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis) or a viral illness.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

1. Feeling tired (fatigue)

2. Experiencing numbness and tingling in your hands

3. Having constipation

4. Weight gain

5. Experiencing soreness throughout your body (can include muscle weakness)

6. Having higher than normal blood cholesterol levels

7. Feeling depressed

8. Having dry, coarse skin and hair

9. Experiencing a decreased sexual interest

10. Having frequent and heavy menstrual periods

11. Seeing physical changes in your face (including drooping eyelids, as well as puffiness in the eyes and face)

12. Having your voice becomes lower and hoarser

13. Feeling more forgetful (“brain fog”)

14. Being unable to tolerate cold temperatures

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

The main way to diagnose hypothyroidism is a blood test called the thyroid-stimulating hormone test. If the thyroid is enlarged, your provider may be able to feel it during a physical exam during an appointment.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

In most cases, hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the amount of hormone that your thyroid is no longer making.

Are there any foods that can help with hypothyroidism treatment?

Most foods in western diets contain iodine, so you don’t have to worry about your diet. Iodine is a mineral that helps your thyroid produce hormones.

Foods that are high in iodine include:

• Eggs

• Dairy products

• Meat, poultry, and seafood

• Edible seaweed

• Iodized salt

Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism