Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, refers to a lack of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone affects the activity of almost every organ and tissue in the body. The thyroid gland, located in the medial, inferior portion of the cervical region, lateral and ventral to the trachea, helps to regulate the body’s metabolism, heart rate, and energy levels (“Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)”, WebMD 1). Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease, and almost 60 percent of these individuals do not realize their condition (“General Information”, 2016). Around ten million Americans develop hypothyroidism, a relatively common disease, in their lifetime (Norman
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First, they can check for common symptoms. Symptoms may take a number of years to develop. Although an abundance of symptoms could potentially accompany hypothyroidism, common symptoms include a swollen thyroid gland, dry skin and hair, slow heart rate, fatigue, weakness, increased sensitivity to cold, hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, constipation, weight gain, and depression (“Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)”, WebMD 2). If patients fail to seek treatment, these symptoms may become more severe over time. Second, because hypothyroidism commonly runs in families, a person’s family history could help diagnose hypothyroidism. Although a physician could make a strong prediction of hypothyroidism at a routine physical, the only definite way to diagnose this condition is through blood testing. Doctors use two blood tests to make a hypothyroidism diagnosis. The first test, the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test, measures the amount of thyroxine (T4) the thyroid gland is being signaled to make. Thyroxine, the thyroid hormone, influences digestion, muscle function, bone maintenance, and heart activity. The body regulates thyroxine through negative feedback. When T4 levels are too high, the body signals the pituitary gland to stop releasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When T4 levels are too low, the pituitary gland releases additional TSH (“Thyroxine”, 2015). A high TSH level from blood work …show more content…
First, the children of pregnant women with untreated hypothyroidism have a higher risk of acquiring birth defects affecting mental and physical development. Second, a swollen thyroid may lead to a goiter. Third, hypothyroidism affects the efficiency and function of the heart. Those with untreated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of developing heart disease due to increased cholesterol levels and fluid buildup around the heart (called pericardial effusion). Too much fluid in the pericardial lining puts pressure on the heart, inhibiting blood circulation. Fourth, low thyroxine levels can lead to infertility and mental health issues, specifically depression. Finally, extreme hypothyroidism, called myxedema, is extremely rare but life-threatening. Myxedema can cause patients to enter a coma and experience a fatal decrease in body temperature (Berber, pars. 2-10). Because hypothyroidism is more prevalent in older women, some physicians suggest women over the age of 60 get tested each year for this condition. Some physicians also recommend women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant get tested as
First, they can check for common symptoms. Symptoms may take a number of years to develop. Although an abundance of symptoms could potentially accompany hypothyroidism, common symptoms include a swollen thyroid gland, dry skin and hair, slow heart rate, fatigue, weakness, increased sensitivity to cold, hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, constipation, weight gain, and depression (“Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)”, WebMD 2). If patients fail to seek treatment, these symptoms may become more severe over time. Second, because hypothyroidism commonly runs in families, a person’s family history could help diagnose hypothyroidism. Although a physician could make a strong prediction of hypothyroidism at a routine physical, the only definite way to diagnose this condition is through blood testing. Doctors use two blood tests to make a hypothyroidism diagnosis. The first test, the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test, measures the amount of thyroxine (T4) the thyroid gland is being signaled to make. Thyroxine, the thyroid hormone, influences digestion, muscle function, bone maintenance, and heart activity. The body regulates thyroxine through negative feedback. When T4 levels are too high, the body signals the pituitary gland to stop releasing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When T4 levels are too low, the pituitary gland releases additional TSH (“Thyroxine”, 2015). A high TSH level from blood work …show more content…
First, the children of pregnant women with untreated hypothyroidism have a higher risk of acquiring birth defects affecting mental and physical development. Second, a swollen thyroid may lead to a goiter. Third, hypothyroidism affects the efficiency and function of the heart. Those with untreated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of developing heart disease due to increased cholesterol levels and fluid buildup around the heart (called pericardial effusion). Too much fluid in the pericardial lining puts pressure on the heart, inhibiting blood circulation. Fourth, low thyroxine levels can lead to infertility and mental health issues, specifically depression. Finally, extreme hypothyroidism, called myxedema, is extremely rare but life-threatening. Myxedema can cause patients to enter a coma and experience a fatal decrease in body temperature (Berber, pars. 2-10). Because hypothyroidism is more prevalent in older women, some physicians suggest women over the age of 60 get tested each year for this condition. Some physicians also recommend women who are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant get tested as