Hypothyroidism picture, treatment, causes, symptoms

Hypothyroidism refers to any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. It can be defined as a critical disorder in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone causing a decrease in the rate of metabolism with associated effects on the reproductive system. The severity of hypothyroidism varies widely. Patients are classified as "subclinical hypothyroid" if diagnostic findings show thyroid hormone abnormalities, but they do not exhibit any symptoms. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a disease of the thyroid gland where the body's immune system attacks the gland.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

The symptoms may vary from mild to severe, with the most severe form called myxedema, which is a medical emergency.

• weakness
• fatigue
• cold intolerance
• constipation
• weight gain (unintentional)
• depression
• joint or muscle pain
• thin, brittle fingernails
• thin and brittle hair
• paleness

Treatment and Cure of

Treatment comes in the form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. Most physicians would then begin with 25 µg daily and perform serial ECGs, increasing the dose at 3- to 4-week intervals if angina does not occur or worsen and the ECG does not deteriorate. Treatments for Hypothyroidism include: Thyroid hormone tablets and Iodine - for treatment of goiter if appropriate.