Saturday, September 12, 2015

What Causes Hypothyroidism?


With as many as 59 million Americans living with a thyroid problem, it is a good idea that you know what thyroid symptoms look like. Most people with the condition do not even know that they have it yet. The thyroid is a gland which is butterfly-shaped located in your neck, and it is the master gland of your metabolism. When your thyroid isn't functioning properly, it will affect all aspects of your health, and in particular will cause depression, weight gain and a decrease in energy levels.

It is very important that you get hypothyroidism disease properly diagnosed since problems with your thyroid that go undiagnosed can drastically raise your risks for heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression hair loss, infertility, sexual dysfunction and all sorts of other problems.

Thyroid Problems and Symptoms

Remember that you don't need to have all of these symptoms of hypothyroidism to have a problem with your thyroid, but some of the most common symptoms can be found below.

Neck Enlargement and Discomfort - A hoarse voice, swelling in your neck, neckties and turtlenecks becoming uncomfortable to wear and a thyroid that is visibly enlarged can be signs of a goiter, which is a thyroid that is enlarged.

Carpal Tunnel/Tendonitis or Muscle and Joint Pains - Common thyroid problems symptoms include pains and aches in your joints and muscles, plus weakness in your arms. There will also be a tendency to develop tarsal tunnel in your legs, carpal tunnel in your hands/arms plus plantar fasciitis in your feet.

Bowel Problems - Constipation that is severe or lasts a long time is often associated with hypothyroidism, while IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome is associated with hyperthyroidism.

Changes to Skin and Hair - Your skin and hair are quite vulnerable to conditions of the thyroid such as hair loss. Often with this disease, your hair will become coarse, dry and brittle, breaking off or coming out easily. Your skin can also become thick, dry, scaly and coarse.

Fertility Problems and Menstrual Irregularities - More frequent, heavier and more painful periods are seen with hypothyroidism. You can also find infertility problems with an undiagnosed problematic thyroid.

Issues with Cholesterol - Another signal you are suffering from this disease is high cholesterol that is not responsive to any exercise, diet or medication for lowering cholesterol.

Family History - If your family has a history of hypothyroidism, you are at a much greater risk of having a thyroid condition as well. You might not be aware all of the time of any thyroid problems in your family, however, because in older people it is commonly referred to as a goiter or gland trouble. For this reason you need to pay attention to any talk of glandular conditions, weight gain due to a glandular problem or goiter, since these can be ways of referring to conditions of the thyroid.

Changes in Weight - If you are on a rigorous exercise program along with a low-calorie and low-fat diet but you are not lose or gain weight at all, this could be a sign of a problem with your thyroid. You could also be losing weight while still eating the same amount of food, or you could be losing weight while you are eating more than usual. Changes in your weight that are unexplained can be clear indicators of this disease.

Anxiety and Depression - Anxiety and depression are also common thyroid problems symptoms. The disease is commonly associated with depression, and a depression that isn't responding to the normal antidepressants can be a sign of a thyroid disorder that is undiagnosed.

Fatigue - If you are experiencing exhaustion when you wake up, even after eight to ten hours of sleep, plus not being able to function all day long without taking a nap can also be indicators of a thyroid problem.

If you believe that you have any of the above thyroid problems symptoms, you should consult your doctor so that you can be properly tested and diagnosed. With the right diagnosis, you can treat this disease successfully and relieve your symptoms.

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