Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the gland does not produce enough of an essential hormone named thyroxine. This issue is one that will require attention for the rest of one's life in order to keep the symptoms under control. Partnering with a Dallas thyroid doctor can help an individual discover a maintenance approach that is most beneficial for their particular situation.
This condition is quite common and millions of individuals may have hypothyroidism, a large portion of those are undiagnosed. Although people of all ages and genders can develop this health issue, women are five times more susceptible than men and a person is more likely to contract it as they mature. When the body produces the hormone in abnormally low amounts, the various systems start to slow down.
Particular medications and a severe lack of iodine are just two of many things that can trigger the condition's onset. An autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease is the cause that is most common. Indications of this are inflammation of the gland which interrupts and prevents it from making enough of the needed hormone.
One reason many people do not realize they have it is because the symptoms tend to be non-specific and are usually assumed to be part of something else. Examples of these are constipation, depression, cold intolerance, fatigue, muscle cramps, hair loss, dry skin, high cholesterol and swollen legs. The signs may become more pronounced and come with a noticeable lag in one's metabolism as the situation grows worse.
If there is suspicion that a person has hypothyroidism, their physician will conduct blood tests to confirm. These results can verify the existence of this condition but not the issue that is causing it. Reviewing the patient's complete clinical history, system scanning, antibody screening and MRI's are a few diagnostic means that might be utilized to determine the root cause.
The simplest and most efficient method of addressing this issue is completely replacing the missing hormone. This is something that will need to continue for the person's entire life. If not left unattended, one is likely to develop severe problems involving their heart and lungs.
This condition is quite common and millions of individuals may have hypothyroidism, a large portion of those are undiagnosed. Although people of all ages and genders can develop this health issue, women are five times more susceptible than men and a person is more likely to contract it as they mature. When the body produces the hormone in abnormally low amounts, the various systems start to slow down.
Particular medications and a severe lack of iodine are just two of many things that can trigger the condition's onset. An autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease is the cause that is most common. Indications of this are inflammation of the gland which interrupts and prevents it from making enough of the needed hormone.
One reason many people do not realize they have it is because the symptoms tend to be non-specific and are usually assumed to be part of something else. Examples of these are constipation, depression, cold intolerance, fatigue, muscle cramps, hair loss, dry skin, high cholesterol and swollen legs. The signs may become more pronounced and come with a noticeable lag in one's metabolism as the situation grows worse.
If there is suspicion that a person has hypothyroidism, their physician will conduct blood tests to confirm. These results can verify the existence of this condition but not the issue that is causing it. Reviewing the patient's complete clinical history, system scanning, antibody screening and MRI's are a few diagnostic means that might be utilized to determine the root cause.
The simplest and most efficient method of addressing this issue is completely replacing the missing hormone. This is something that will need to continue for the person's entire life. If not left unattended, one is likely to develop severe problems involving their heart and lungs.
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If you are dealing with weight gain and chronic illness, click this link to visit a Dallas thyroid doctor. Discover what the HealthCore Center can do for you, when you visit our home on the Web today at http://www.healthcorecenter.com.
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