According to Medline Plus of the National Institutes of Health, hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and regulates thyroid hormone, which controls metabolism. Low levels of thyroid hormone result in cold sensitivity, constipation, depression, fatigue, pain, weakness and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is easily treated with supplemental thyroid hormone. Adherence to treatment can reverse symptoms and keep metabolism at a normal level.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
According to MayoClinic.com, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United Sates. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune cells attack its own tissues. It attacks the cells of the thyroid gland, which can cause hypothyroidism. Treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis includes replacing lost thyroid hormone with a synthetic version. The synthetic thyroid hormone, or levothyroxine, can restore adequate levels of thyroid hormone and reduce symptoms of hypothyroidism. Following initial therapy, you may need yearly visits to reassess thyroid function.
Hyperthyroidism Treatments
Some patients with a thyroid problem produce too much thyroid hormone, which causes hyperthyroidism. This condition is commonly treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications to normalize thyroid hormones levels in the body. However, MayoClinic.com says that at times, anti-thyroid medications can result in permanent damage of the thyroid and cause permanent damage. Lithium is the main anti-thyroid medication to be aware of. If you begin to experience signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, seek appropriate medical treatment.
Thyroid Removal
In certain cases, the thyroid gland may be removed during surgery. If you have thyroid cancer, abnormal thyroid growth or other problems that affect the thyroid, the gland may need to be surgically removed. Thus, a person without a thyroid lacks regular secretion of thyroid hormone. This results in hypothyroidism, in which case you must take levothyroxine for treatment.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine deficiency is a cause of hypothyroidism, but it rarely occurs in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. Iodine is a necessary mineral needed to make thyroid hormone. When iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland can't produce enough thyroid hormone, so you begin to notice symptoms of hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency in the United States has been nearly eliminated because iodine is found in table salt, seafood, seaweed and plants grown in iodine-rich soil.
