What Is Hypothyroidism?

In a previous post, we said hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, affecting the body’s overall metabolic functions. Symptoms of this disease include excessive sweating, increased bowel movement, trembling hands, muscle weakness, irregular or scant menstrual flow, to name a few.

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In this post, we’re going to tackle the opposite of hyperthyroidism – hypothyroidism. Specifically, hypothyroidism in adults.
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can elevate cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

In pregnant women, untreated hypothyroidism can affect the baby’s growth and development.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Feeling of weakness, fatigue or depression
• Not being able to stand the cold
• Dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Constipation
• Heavy or irregular menstruation
• Memory problems

Causes of hypothyroidism

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – An autoimmune disease also known as Hashimoto’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis develops when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become underactive.
• Thyroid surgery
• Radioactive iodine therapy to treat an overactive thyroid gland
• Radiation therapy for cancer
• Viral infection and some forms of medication
• Although people of any age can potentially suffer from hypothyroidism, older adults, mostly women aged 60 and above, have the highest risk. If it runs in the family, a person is likely to get it as well.

So if you think you’re a candidate for hypothyroidism based on the information provided above, consult with a qualified medical practitioner immediately.

Source: webmd.net

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Maricel Rivera

Maricel is a regular mom juggling her time between being a mom and her full-time profession as a researcher for a top-notch financial firm. Add blogging and freelancing to the mix, and it's one crazy ride. But somehow she manages to stay sane. Maricel loves to write about various stuff - from technology to personal finance, from social issues to life in general.

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