Hypothyroidism You sleep eight hours a night, but you still feel sluggish. You haven’t changed your diet, but you’re gaining weight. To top it off, you’re feeling achy and depressed. It’s easy to blame these symptoms on a busy lifestyle or advancing age, but for mil- lions of people — especially women — your thyroid is the culprit. Hypothyroidism develops when your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormone. What Is Hypothyroidism?
Millions of people suffer from some form of thyroid disease. The vast majority — approximately 80 percent — have an underactive thyroid, or what is called hypothy- roidism. According to the AACE, hypothyroidism affects about 10 percent of all women and 3 percent of men. Studies suggest that approximately …show more content…
Fact
Primary hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid caused by a defi- ciency in thyroid hormone. Central hypothyroidism is a term that de- scribes a reduction in thyroid hormone caused by problems with the pitu- itary gland. Although the causes differ, treatment is usually the same. Around the world, the condition is caused primarily by a deficiency of iodine, a mineral found in saltwater, which the body uses to produce thyroid hormone. But with the introduction of iodized salt in the United States in the 1920s, iodine defi- ciency is practically unheard of in this country.
In some cases, hypothyroidism may be linked to other medical conditions or caused by a medication. For instance, people who have been treated with RAI to treat hyperthyroidism often develop hypothyroidism. Those who take medications such as lithium, prednisone, and amiodarone are also vulnerable to hypothy- roidism. In addition, anyone who has undergone thyroid surgery, also called thy- roidectomy, or radiation to the neck or upper chest is likely to develop an under- active thyroid.
Of course, not everyone who gets older or takes these medications will de- velop hypothyroidism. But your risk does go up if you have other factors,
Millions of people suffer from some form of thyroid disease. The vast majority — approximately 80 percent — have an underactive thyroid, or what is called hypothy- roidism. According to the AACE, hypothyroidism affects about 10 percent of all women and 3 percent of men. Studies suggest that approximately …show more content…
Fact
Primary hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid caused by a defi- ciency in thyroid hormone. Central hypothyroidism is a term that de- scribes a reduction in thyroid hormone caused by problems with the pitu- itary gland. Although the causes differ, treatment is usually the same. Around the world, the condition is caused primarily by a deficiency of iodine, a mineral found in saltwater, which the body uses to produce thyroid hormone. But with the introduction of iodized salt in the United States in the 1920s, iodine defi- ciency is practically unheard of in this country.
In some cases, hypothyroidism may be linked to other medical conditions or caused by a medication. For instance, people who have been treated with RAI to treat hyperthyroidism often develop hypothyroidism. Those who take medications such as lithium, prednisone, and amiodarone are also vulnerable to hypothy- roidism. In addition, anyone who has undergone thyroid surgery, also called thy- roidectomy, or radiation to the neck or upper chest is likely to develop an under- active thyroid.
Of course, not everyone who gets older or takes these medications will de- velop hypothyroidism. But your risk does go up if you have other factors,