Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce the usual amount of thyroid hormone causing many body systems to slow down. Often the symptoms develop so slowly and patients do not notice them. Your doctor will want to do some blood tests to determine if you have hypothyroidism so that the proper treatment can be ordered.
Symptoms may include:
- pervasive fatigue
- drowsiness
- forgetfulness
- difficulty learning
- dry, itchy skin
- dry, brittle hair and nails
- puffy face
- constipation
- sore muscles
- weight gain and fluid retention
- heavy and/or irregular menstrual flow
- increased frequency of miscarriage
- increased sensitivity to some medications
Laboratory Tests
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Free Thyroxine
- Thyroid antibodies
Treatment for hypothyroidism is usually a medication called levothyroxine taken once a day.