Hypothyroidism - Symptoms & Treatment

The alternatives name of Hypothyroidism are Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism refers to any state in which thyroid hormone production is below normal. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. the incidence is increasing significantly in people ages 40 to 50. Actually, hyperthyroidism developing due to excess production of thyroid hormones by active thyroid glands.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Typical, vague, early clinical features of hypothyroidism include weakness, fatigue, forgetfulness, sensitivity to cold, unexplained weight gain, and constipation. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Excessive fatigue
• Nervousness
• Shortness in breath
• Problems in menstrual periods.
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Hyperactivity
• Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea
• Palpitations
• Increase in bowel movements
• Excessive sweating
• Fast heartbeat
• Low body weight
• Hair loss
• anxiety
• Weak muscle and staring gaze
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Red and swollen eyes

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The main causes of hyperthyroidism are toxic thyroid adenoma, Graves' disease and toxic multinodular goiter. Graves disease is commonly found in women, but uncommon in old aged lady. Sometimes, nodule in thyroid may be caused hyperthyroidism, the causes are include:

• inadequate production of thyroid hormone. usually after thyroidectomy or radiation therapy (particularly with radioactive iodine); inflammation; chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease); or such conditions as amyloidosis and arcoidosis (rare)
• pituitary failure to produce thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), hypothalamic failure to produce thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH), inborn errors of thyroid hormone synthesis, iodine deficiency (usually dietary), or use of such antithyroid medications as propylthiouracil.

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

There are many treatment tips that are show below:

• Provide a high-bulk, low-calorie diet and encourage activity to combat constipation and promote weight loss. Administer cathartics and stool softeners as needed.
• Mter thyroid replacement begins, watch for symptoms of hyperthy roidism, such as restlessness, sweating, and excessive weight loss.
• Tell the patient to report any signs of aggravated cardiovascular disease, such as chest pain and tachycardia.
• To prevent myxedema coma, tell the patient to continue the course of thyroid medication even if symptoms subside.
• Warn the patient to report infection immediately and to make sure any physician who prescribes drugs for her knows about the underlying hypothyroidism.
• Administer corticosteroids as Ordered.
• Anti-thyroid drugs are commonly used by pregnant women, young adults and others to minimize the hypothyroidism.
• Check frequently for signs of decreasing cardiac output (such as decreased urine output).

Prevention tips

• You should avoid smoking.
• You should drink lots of water.
• You should get knowledge of family history.
• You should be attentive to signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Apply cool compresses to affected eyes for few minutes.
• You wear sunglasses before going outside.
• Apply OTC creams to the affected area.