Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream.
This makes your metabolism slow down.
Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others).
This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
You'll likely start to feel better soon after you start treatment.
How do I know if I have hypothyroidism?
A blood test measuring your hormone levels is the only accurate way to find out whether there's a problem.
The test, called a thyroid function test, looks at levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood.
Doctors may refer to this as "free" T4 (FT4).
The condition can be managed with medication.
If left untreated, though, hypothyroidism can lead to many complications.
These include heart problems, nerve injury, infertility and in severe cases, death.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include.
Fatigue.
Increased sensitivity to cold.
Constipation.
Dry skin.
Weight gain.
Puffy face.
Hoarseness.
Muscle weakness.
Hypothyroidism or any other thyroid problems are a disease of the autoimmune system.
Autoimmune disorders such as Hypothyroidism occur when a persons immune system produces antibodies that attack the persons own tissues.
The hypothyroidism is basically when the bodies immune system turns against and attacks the bodies own tissues instead of protecting it.