Hypothyroidism, Hypothyroid

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ypothyroidism

Put simply hypothyroidism is a condition resulting from a deficiency

the thyroid hormone

thyroxine which is the main metabolic hormone

secreted by the thyroid glands; also known

as T4. Thyroxine is produced

in the thyroid gland by a synthesis of iodine with the amino

acid tyrosine.

The thyroid gland also requires dietary iodine to produce thyroxine.

Thyroxine

molecules are composed of two joined tyrosine amino acids

combined with

four iodine atoms.

The synthesis and secretion of thyroxine are regulated by TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), a

hormone from the pituitary gland, and by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), a hormone produced

in the hypothalamus. Thyroxine regulates the formation of the two pituitary hormones.

Thyroxine is released by the thyroid in combination with the plasma protein globulin in the blood and

distributed to tissues that require the hormone in order to function. In the tissues, thyroxine is converted

to triiodothyronine (T3) by removal of one iodine atom. Thriiodothyronine is a more powerful hormone

than thyroxine.

Thyroid hormone promotes the metabolism of glucose and fat by the liver and increases the release of

cholesterol by the liver. It also regulates carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis and breakdown of

protein. In the digestive system, the hormone promotes the contractions of the smooth muscles and

regulates the secretion of digestive juices. Thyroxine aids in the normal growth, tone, and function of the

muscles associated with the skeleton and the heart. Bone growth and regulation of the growth of the

nervous system involve thyroxine; it also regulates the rate of oxygen use by the cells and the generation

of body heat. Thyroxine is involved in infertility and the secretion of milk from the breasts of a lactating

woman. Thyroid hormone also has a role in skin hydration, hair growth, and endocrine gland secretions.

The thyroid itself is a pear shaped gland located in the front of the lower part of the neck that produces

thyroxine to regulate the metabolism of the body. When this hormone is decreased the abnormally low

levels lead to a slowing in metabolism. The decrease in energy production disrupts many vital functions,

including heart rate and the ability to regulate temperature. Older people tend to be more vulnerable to

hypothyroidism than their younger counterparts.

What are the causes?

Virtually all instances of hypothyroidism are caused by underproduction of thyroxine as a result of a

disorder within the thyroid gland that inhibits its ability to make enough thyroid hormone. This may be

due to complications of thyroid surgery or treatments for hyperthyroidism (over activity of the thyroid

gland), including radioactive iodine therapy. Autoimmune disorders that make antibodies which attack

the thyroid gland may also cause hypothyroidism. Rarely, a congenital defect in the gland may cause

hypothyroidism in newborns. Transient episodes of hypothyroidism are generally caused by inflammation

of the tissue or viral infections of the thyroid gland.

Less commonly, hypothyroidism may result when the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is not functioning

properly. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in a

chain reaction that activates the thyroid hormone. When there is a disruption in this chain reaction, the

thyroid gland may be capable of functioning properly but is not receiving the signal from the pituitary

gland to produce thyroxine. This is called secondary hypothyroidism and is usually the result of impaired

pituitary function caused by a tumor, an infection, sarcoidosis, or spreading cancer. In rare instances,

secondary hypothyroidism is caused by impairment of the hypothalamus.

Looking for symptoms

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary greatly from person to person, depending

on the magnitude of

thyroxine deficiency. The symptoms of a mild insufficiency

may include sensitivity to cold temperatures,

dry skin, constipation, and forgetfulness.

Symptoms of more sever hypothyroidism include (in addition

to mild symptoms)

chronic fatigue, muscle stiffness and cramping, poor appetite combined with

weight

gain, hair loss, hoarseness, decreased heart rate, and depression and

other psychological problems.

Untreated, advanced hypothyroidism may produce

myxedema.

Symptoms of myxedema include lack

of facial expression; thinning hair; swelling around the eyes;

enlarged tongue; shortness of breath;

severe lethargy; cool thickened skin; dementia; and even coma.

Newborn babies with hypothyroidism may have a hoarse cry and difficulty feeding; they are often

constipated and less active. Untreated, this congenital form of hypothyroidism produces abnormally

shorter stature, thin hair, bulging abdomen, delayed dental development, and impaired mental

functioning. In older children, hypothyroidism causes delayed puberty and symptoms similar to

those of an adult.

Diagnosis and Convention Treatment

When hypothyroidism is suspected, a doctor evaluates the person’s medical history and conducts

a physical examination. As part of the examination the doctor feels the thyroid gland, which may be

enlarged. The skin, hair, abdomen, heart, neurological system, and musculoskeletal system are also

examined carefully.

Blood samples are taken to measure the levels of thyroid hormones and TSH in the bloodstream. An

elevated TSH level indicates an abnormally functioning thyroid gland. The blood may also be tested for

cholesterol and other abnormalities associated with hypothyroidism. Cardiac tests, including the

electrocardiogram, may be done if there are physical findings involving the heart.

If your physician determines that the cause is infection or inflammation of the thyroid gland generally

treatment is based on a wait and see approach because hormone levels typical return to normal levels

in a few months. Additional testing probably will be required to confirm this.

Chronic forms of hypothyroidism from other cause are lifelong disorders that are usually treated with

synthetic forms of thyroxine such as levothyroxine, liothyronine, and liotrix. As is the case so often

with conventional methods of treatment dosages must be monitored closely to keep the dial from

being turned too far in the other direction. If the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is involved,

hydrocortisone may need to be taken to prevent the risk of adrenal deficiency caused by replacing

the depleted thyroxine.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy usually relieves symptoms of hypothyroidism quickly. Senior

citizens and people with heart problems may need to take the hormone replacement medication in

small, progressive increments to prevent overstimulation of the heart, so they will experience

improvement more gradually.

Can Exercise Help?

Perhaps, according to the Encyclopedia of Natural Health. They state that exercise is considered to be

an important part of overall health and particularly important in any treatment program for hypothyroidism.

Exercise stimulates thyroid gland secretion and increases tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone. They go

on to say that many of the health benefits of exercise may be a result of improved thyroid function.

erbal

emedy

for

ypothyroidism

Thyroid Assist - Herbal Supplement for an Under Active Thyroid Gland
This thyroid health supplement contains a selection of herbs known for their supportive function
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temperature, fertility, healthy weight and routine, healthy performance. Remedies such as
Thyroid Assist for natural thyroid gland function can make all the difference without
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