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Hypothyroidism: Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypothyroidism?

A condition caused by an under-active thyroid gland. There are two glands that are pituitary and thyroid which are helpful in regulating the basal metabolic function of the body and if one of them has any problem whole body suffers.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. This results in reduced levels of thyroid hormone, dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, fatigue and lethargy. The thyroid gland, working with the pituitary gland, regulates “basal metabolism” in the body. Metabolism is the breakdown of calories into heat energy. [1] Acute hypothyroidism slows the metabolism down tremendously, and whatever food is eaten is metabolized very slowly, leading to significant weight gain. ...
Hypothyroidism is a pathological condition resulting from severe thyroid insufficiency. Signs and symptoms include weight gain, alopecia, chronic skin infections, lethargy and neurologic signs. Often, cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated.
Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Too little hormone slows down all the chemical reactions in the body, leading to life-threatening complications.
Hypothyroidism is a fancy way to say that your thyroid isn't being active enough. The thyroid is one of the most crucial organs in your body. If it isn't performing the way it should be, you can suffer an amazing number of symptoms, including gaining weight for no apparent reason.

Is hypothyroidism permanent?

In case of hypothyroidism caused by thyroid cancer, the symptoms are not permanent. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur due to the fact that you will be asked to discontinue your hormone medication during the follow-up period. Once you start taking your hormone medication again your body will need a little time to adjust but soon after you will stop experiencing signs of hypothyroidism. Fortunately, now you have options to suffering the negative effects of hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about these options.

What are the causes of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism results from the failure of sufficient thyroid hormone reaching the tissues to control metabolism, which it does by governing the passage of nutrients across the cell membrane and controlling the activity of the mitochondrion, which produces energy within the cell. This happens: 1. When the pituitary and/or hypothalamus fail to work as they should to control thyroid output, which is therefore reduced. 2. The processing failure of conversion of T4 into T3. ...
In most cases, hypothyroidism is caused by a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis , in which a patient’s immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by treatment of hyperthyroidism or by certain medications, and it may be present from birth. The thyroid may temporarily become underactive after pregnancy or if it is inflamed due to a viral infection. Finally, a problem with the pituitary gland can cause hypothyroidism.

What does Hypothyroidism mean?

This is when the thyroid gland fails to produce a normal amount of thyroid hormone.

What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Fatigue, sensitive to temperatures (hot or cold), dry skin, dry hair and nails that break easily, hair loss, heart rate slows, constipation, weight gain, sore muscles and joints, leg cramps at night, muscle swelling (including tongue), memory loss, decreased ability to think (brain fog), depression, sensitive to medications, tingling in fingers, loss of balance, difficulty walking. Heavier menstruation. Increased infections. Difficulty in getting pregnant. *Please keep in mind that everyone is different. ...
There are so many symptoms of thyroid ill function. Gradually they develop so generally they are not noticeable initially. According to the Mayo Clinic, “...as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including: Increased sensitivity to cold Constipation Pale, dry skin A puffy face Hoarse voice An elevated blood cholesterol level Unexplained weight gain Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness ...
The symptoms are varied and many. They develop gradually, and at first, are hardly noticeable. According to the Mayo Clinic, “...as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including: [2] Weight gain, or the inability to lose weight even when you follow a strict diet and exercise program. Fatigue and a general lack of energy. Weakness. Depression. Memory loss. Irritability. Slow heart rate. Intolerance to cold weather. Hair loss, dry or coarse hair. Tremors. Muscle cramps. ...
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are varied and many. They develop gradually, and at first, are hardly noticeable. According to the Mayo Clinic, “...as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including:
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are varied and many. They develop gradually, and at first, are hardly noticeable. According to the Mayo Clinic, “...as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including: * Increased sensitivity to cold * Constipation * Pale, dry skin * A puffy face * Hoarse voice * An elevated blood cholesterol level * Unexplained weight gain * Muscle aches, tenderness ...

What exactly is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone.

What are some of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Some symptoms include memory loss, irritability and a slow heart rate. Dry skin, fatigue and weight gain are also some symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism symptoms include: Weight loss Increased appetite Nervousness Restlessness Heat intolerance Increased sweating Fatigue Frequent bowel movements Menstrual irregularities Enlarged thyroid Palpitations or irregular heartbeat Hypothyroidism symptoms include: (Early) Weakness Fatigue Cold intolerance Constipation Weight gain Depression Joint or muscle pain Thin, brittle fingernails Thin and brittle hair Paleness (Late) Slow speech Dry, flaky skin Thickening of the skin Puffy face, hands, and feet Decreased tas... ...

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Hypothyroidism is treated with replacement doses of the synthetic thyroid hormone.
Source: www.nyee.edu
Hypothyroidism is treated with a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine (levothyroxine). Blood samples will need to be drawn periodically to assess the effectiveness of the dosage and make any adjustments necessary.

How does hypothyroidism occur?

Most cases of hypothyroidism stem from the dog’s own immune system attacking the tissues of the thyroid gland. When the dog’s system compensates for this by secreting more thyroid hormone, the gland will eventually be unable to keep up with the attacks on its tissue resulting in disease. Thyroid disorders can also be genetic.

What are the clinical signs of hypothyroidism?

Signs include: a loss of hair, usually on the tail, hind quarters or flank that is not a result of scratching; dry scaly skin, dull brittle hair, bleaching of the hair coat and possible development of hyperpigmentation and oily skin. The dog may also become lethargic and overweight, seek out warm places and have cold clammy skin.

What is the treatment for hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is treated with a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormone called thyroxine (levothyroxine). The historic gold-standard treatment for hypothyroidism is Soloxine® thyroid hormone supplementation.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough examination and reviewing the pet’s history including overall health and behavior. If hypothyroidism is suspected, blood tests will be ordered. There are a number of different methods for testing the thyroid, however, the most common is a baseline T 4 test or total T 4 test. Dogs with a failure of the thyroid gland will have a lowered level of the T 4 hormone. Additional tests may also be required for accurate diagnosis.
Clinical signs (such as lethargy, weight gain and skin or coat changes) can be suggestive of hypothyroidism. Laboratory blood tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Is hypothyroidism a risk factor?

Hypothyroidism can increase blood cholesterol levels and that contributes to heart disease; however, if the hypothyroidism is being treated with a thyroid hormone, then the cholesterol returns to normal.

Do many people have hypothyroidism?

Yes, an alarming number of Americans do suffer from hypothyroidism. Look at these statistics:

Are certain pets at increased risk of hypothyroidism?

One 50ml bottle of PetAlive Thyro-Pet will last for 15 - 60 days, depending on the size and needs of your pet.

Can Oasis Serene help with Hypothyroidism?

Yes. Natural (bioidentical) progesterone cream can increase thyroid activity. Estrogen dominance interferes with thyroid activity. Progesterone can promote energy production and thus help to raise the body temperature. It is also suggested that a good green drink containing kelp be used along with the progesterone.

What causes Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much thryoid over a short or long period of time. Many diseases and conditions can cause this problem, including: Graves' disease Noncancerous growths of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland Irritation and swelling of the thyroid due to inflammation or infection (thyroiditis) Graves' disease accounts for 85 percent of all cases of hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. ...

What supplements should I take for hypothyroidism?

Zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin A are helpful nutrients as they function together in many processes, including the manufacture of thyroid hormone. A deficiency of any of these nutrients would result in decreased levels of active thyroid hormone. Low zinc levels are common in the elderly, in addition to hypothyroidism. Vitamin C and the B vitamins riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6) are also necessary for normal thyroid production.
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