Download Hypothyroidism The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the

LOUISIANA HEART CENTER
Slidell - Covington - Hammond - Laplace
(985) 649-2700
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is located in the lower part of the neck, just above the
sternum. As part of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland secretes
hormones that regulate growth and the metabolism. There are two principal
thyroid hormones. T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). The thyroid
hormones are released in the bloodstream and carried to the organs and
tissues of the body. These hormones are chemical messengers that affect
many things, among them the metabolic rhythm of the body, which in turn
influences the way in which the body uses fats and carbohydrates. It affects
temperature regulation, muscular strength, heart rate and cholesterol levels.
A hypoactive thyroid gland can reduce the heart rate of the body and cause
symptoms. Hypothyroidism is the term used to indicate that there is not a
sufficient amount of thyroid hormone in the body. Women are more likely
than men to suffer from hypoactive thyroids. It is more common after the
age of 50. It is more likely that people who have parents with
hypothyroidism will also develop this problem.
Hypothyroidism can be caused by many things. Among the most common
are:
 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
o This occurs when your body produces antibodies that attack the
thyroid gland. The reasons for which this occurs are still not
completely clear. When this happens, the thyroid gland cells
that produce the thyroid hormone are destroyed and can no
longer produce thyroid hormone.
 Radiation therapy.
o The radiation therapy used to treat certain forms of cancer can
also destroy the thyroid cells that produce the thyroid hormone.
 Thyroid surgery
o Some patients need to have surgery to remove the thyroid
gland, either partially or completely. Surgery can be performed
to remove tumors of the thyroid or an enlarged thyroid gland,
called a goiter. If too much thyroid gland is removed, there will
no longer remain sufficient cells to make adequate amounts of
thyroid hormone and this will result in hypothyroidism.
 Treatment of hypothyroidism.
o On occasions, the body produces too much thyroid hormone,
which causes symptoms. This is treated with medications or
radiation which makes the thyroid gland produce less hormone.
The result of some treatments is that the thyroid gland produces
an insufficient amount of hormone and hypothyroidism occurs.
 Medication
o Some medications affect the ability of the thyroid gland to
produce hormone. If this happens, it is possible that you will
need a thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
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reduction in the frequency of bowel movement,
constipation,
weight gain,
hoarse or deeper voice,
increase in sensitivity to low temperatures (feeling cold all the time),
depression,
increase in sleepiness and fatigue,
muscular weakness, pain and stiffness,
joint pain and stiffness,
dry skin,
increase in menstrual flow and more frequent menstrual periods in
women,
 fine, brittle hair,
 hand tremors,
 Accelerated heart rate or rapid heartbeats (tachycardia).
Diagnosis
There are a set of examinations that are generally used to measure the
amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4
(thyroxine) can be measured in the blood. TSH (thyroid stimulating
hormone) is produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. When
the levels of thyroid hormone decline too much, the hypothalamus produces
more thyroid hormone. The TSH increases when the levels of T3 and T4
decline too much. Your doctor can also perform a test to measure the TSH in
the blood. If these examinations turn out to be positive, it is possible that the
doctor will request additional examinations to evaluate the functioning of the
gland and tests to determine the size and structure of the gland. A thyroid
scan evaluates the size and shape of the gland. A test known as the thyroid
uptake test measures the activity in the gland. Together, these examinations
can determine if the entire gland is inflamed (thyroiditis) or if only some
parts of the gland (thyroid nodules) are functioning abnormally. A thyroid
ultrasound evaluates the size and shape of the gland. It can also determine
the presence of nodules or cysts in the thyroid gland.
Treatment
When hypothyroidism is diagnosed for the first time, medications are
usually used to treat the symptoms of the disease. Levothyroxine is a
synthetic thyroid hormone that is used to replace the thyroid hormone in
patients who display low levels of the natural hormone. Your doctor will
perform periodic blood tests to make sure that you are taking the correct
dose. Some foods and other medications can affect the capacity of the body
to absorb levothyroxine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the best
time of day to take your thyroid medication.