Hypothyroidism-+Alyssa+K

Hypothyroidism

**Description: ** Hypothyroidism is an abnormally low activity of the thyroid gland which is located in your neck. When the thyroid can not make enough thyroid hormones to keep the body functioning normally, it may result in retardation of growth and mental development. Hypothyroidism is low activity, and hyperthyroidism is over-activity which has the same effects, from too much thyroid hormones.

**Inheritance: ** There are many ways which this disease can be inherited. Different diseases such as the autoimmune disease can affect the glands by mistaking the thyroid cells and enzymes for invaders as a sickness, and end up attack the cells. Or something as simple as medications you may take such as amiodarone, lithium, interferon, alpha, and interleukin-2 can trigger hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is also common as a genetic trait. It usually “runs in the family,” and could result in carriers or patients who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

**Symptoms: ** Symptoms for hypothyroidism are very broad. Only blood tests can prove if you are diagnosed but other than that there is no real way to tell if you have this disease by the symptoms. The body will gradually start slowing down and getting tired quickly, your skin will feel drier and colder, you may feel depressed and forgetful, and constipation is very common. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite. If you have hyperthyroidism, you will have rapid speech, hyperactive reflexes, and gain and loss of weight constantly, but the only official way to prove hyperthyroidism is also by a blood test.

**Daily Life: **

media type="custom" key="9495796" align="center" **Diagnosis: ** The diagnosis is simple. You can either inherit the disorder from past families health, past thyroid surgeries, radiation to the neck to treat cancers, and even medications taken can stop the thyroid hormones. Two blood tests are taken to prove the official diagnosis.

**Treatment: ** Hypothyroidism is not curable. The patients have it for life. By taking thyroxine (T4), you should be able to control it throughout your life. Dosages may change rapidly overtime depending on the results of the medication. If you take too little of medication, your hypothyroidism will continue. But if you take too much medication, you gain symptoms of hyperactivity. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism you have to take a TSH test every six to eight months to determine your dosage amount. Once you find a “spot” or right amount of medication you personally need, you can take the TSH test once a year if you are progressing.

**Research: ** Research on cures is being done. They have learned that part of the thyroid can be removed, (to decrease inflammation) or radioactive iodine can be used on hyperthyroidism. These are just some treatments other than the medication. TSLT tests can be taken for the percentage or range of how severe the hypothyroidism is.

**Additional Facts: ** If you skip pills or do not take them on an orderly basis, it can result in more and worse symptoms. It is important to control the amount of medication your taking or when you take it. The tests that you are able to take are not assured to cure hypothyroidism, but decrease the amount of it in your thyroid.


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