If you have subclinical hypothyroidism, discuss treatment with your doctor. For a relatively mild increase in TSH, you probably won't benefit from thyroid hormone therapy, and treatment could even be harmful. On the other hand, for a higher TSH level, thyroid hormones may improve your cholesterol level, the pumping ability of your heart and your energy level. Although most doctors recommend synthetic thyroxine, natural extracts containing thyroid hormone derived from the thyroid glands of pigs are available.
These products contain both thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Synthetic thyroid medications contain thyroxine only, and the triiodothyronine your body needs is derived from the thyroxine. Extracts are available by prescription only and shouldn't be confused with the glandular concentrates sold in natural foods stores. These products aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and their potency and purity isn't guaranteed.
You'll likely start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. In some cases, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the body's hormone-secreting glands endocrinologist. Infants with hypothyroidism need immediate referral to a pediatrics endocrinologist for treatment.
Children or teens need to see a pediatric endocrinologist if there is any uncertainly about starting levothyroxine or proper dosing of the hormone. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor. Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For hypothyroidism, some basic questions to ask include:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis In general, your doctor may test for an underactive thyroid if you are feeling increasingly tired, have dry skin, constipation and weight gain, or have had previous thyroid problems or a goiter. Blood tests Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests that measure the level of TSH and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
More Information Hypothyroidism diet Hypothyroidism: Can calcium supplements interfere with treatment? Hypothyroidism: Should I take iodine supplements? Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism? Show more related information. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Coconut oil: Can it cure hypothyroidism? In most cases, suppressing thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH using high dose thyroid replacement therapy should be avoided because it carries a risk of causing adverse side effects, such as atrial fibrillation an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate , strokes , osteoporosis and fracture.
If you have an untreated underactive thyroid, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease is increased. This is because having low levels of the hormone thyroxine can lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your blood.
High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, restricting the flow of blood. Contact your doctor if you're being treated for an underactive thyroid and you develop chest pain , so that any problems can be detected and treated, if necessary. A goitre is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump to form in the throat. Goitres can develop in people with an underactive thyroid when the body tries to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones.
If an underactive thyroid isn't treated during pregnancy, there's a risk of problems occurring. These include:. These problems can usually be avoided with treatment under the guidance of a specialist in hormone disorders an endocrinologist. Therefore, tell your GP if you have an underactive thyroid and you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
In very rare cases, a severe underactive thyroid may lead to a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma. This is where the thyroid hormone levels become very low, causing symptoms such as confusion, hypothermia and drowsiness. Myxoedema coma requires emergency treatment in hospital.
It's usually treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication given directly into a vein. In some cases, other treatments such as breathing support, antibiotics and steroid medication corticosteroids are also required. Home Illnesses and conditions Glands Underactive thyroid. Underactive thyroid See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1.
About underactive thyroids 2. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid 3. Causes of an underactive thyroid 4. Diagnosing an underactive thyroid 5. Treating an underactive thyroid 6. Complications of an underactive thyroid. About underactive thyroids An underactive thyroid gland hypothyroidism is where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed. Read more about the causes of an underactive thyroid When to see your GP Symptoms of an underactive thyroid are often similar to those of other conditions, and they usually develop slowly, so you may not notice them for years. You should see your GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid if you have symptoms including: tiredness weight gain depression being sensitive to the cold dry skin and hair muscle aches The only accurate way of finding out whether you have a thyroid problem is to have a thyroid function test, where a sample of blood is tested to measure your hormone levels.
Read more about testing for an underactive thyroid Who's affected Both men and women can have an underactive thyroid, although it's more common in women.
Treating an underactive thyroid Treatment for an underactive thyroid involves taking daily hormone replacement tablets, called levothyroxine, to raise your thyroxine levels. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid Many symptoms of an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism are the same as those of other conditions, so it can easily be confused for something else. Common symptoms include: tiredness being sensitive to cold weight gain constipation depression slow movements and thoughts muscle aches and weakness muscle cramps dry and scaly skin brittle hair and nails loss of libido sex drive pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers carpal tunnel syndrome irregular periods or heavy periods Elderly people with an underactive thyroid may develop memory problems and depression.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid. Read more about getting tested for an underactive thyroid If an underactive thyroid isn't treated It's unlikely that you'd have many of the later symptoms of an underactive thyroid, because the condition is often identified before more serious symptoms appear.
Later symptoms of an underactive thyroid include: a low-pitched and hoarse voice a puffy-looking face thinned or partly missing eyebrows a slow heart rate hearing loss anaemia.
Causes of an underactive thyroid An underactive thyroid hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of the hormone thyroxine also called T4. Immune system An underactive thyroid often occurs when the immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the thyroid gland. Previous thyroid treatment An underactive thyroid can also occur as a side effect or complication of previous treatment to the thyroid gland, such as surgery or a treatment called radioactive iodine therapy.
Less common causes Worldwide, a lack of dietary iodine is a common cause of an underactive thyroid, because the body needs iodine to make thyroxine. An underactive thyroid has also been linked to some viral infections or some medications used to treat other conditions, such as: lithium — a medication sometimes used to treat certain mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder amiodarone — a medication sometimes used to treat irregular heartbeats arrhythmias interferons — a class of medication sometimes used to treat certain types of cancer and hepatitis C Speak to your GP or specialist if you're concerned that a medication you're taking may be affecting your thyroid hormone levels.
Diagnosing an underactive thyroid It's very important that an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism is diagnosed as soon as possible. Thyroid function test A blood test measuring your hormone levels is the only accurate way to find out whether there's a problem. Referral Your GP may refer you to an endocrinologist a specialist in hormone disorders if you: are younger than 16 are pregnant or trying to get pregnant have just given birth have another health condition, such as heart disease , which may complicate your medication are taking a medication known to cause a reduction in thyroid hormones, such as amiodarone or lithium.
Treating an underactive thyroid An underactive thyroid hypothyroidism is usually treated by taking daily hormone replacement tablets called levothyroxine. Levothyroxine replaces the thyroxine hormone, which your thyroid doesn't make enough of. Some people start to feel better soon after beginning treatment, while others don't notice an improvement in their symptoms for several months Once you're taking the correct dose, you'll usually have a blood test once a year to monitor your hormone levels.
Taking levothyroxine If you're prescribed levothyroxine, you should take one tablet at the same time every day. You may require more regular testing if you have 2,3 :. Hypothyroidism rarely causes symptoms in the early stages, but if left untreated over time it can cause a number of medical problems such as infertility, obesity, heart problems, and joint pain.
The symptoms associated with hypothyroidism can vary from patient to patient. The most common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism include:. Myxedema coma is referred to as the most severe form of hypothyroidism, and rarely occurs. The symptoms and signs associated with myxedema coma include below normal temperature, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, and blood glucose, as well as unresponsiveness.
If your doctor suspects that you have hypothyroidism, he or she will obtain a blood sample and test your levels of thyroid hormone. If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism your doctor will prescribe a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone product, is the standard treatment for managing hypothyroidism and is available under various brand names eg, Levothroid, Synthroid.
The good news is that hypothyroidism can almost always be completely controlled with the use of synthetic levothyroxine, as long as the recommended dose is taken daily as instructed. The exact dose will depend on your age and weight, the severity of the hypothyroidism, the presence of other health problems, and whether you are taking other drugs that might interfere with how well the body uses the thyroid hormone.
About 1 to 2 weeks after you start treatment with levothyroxine, you will likely notice that your levels of fatigue have improved. It is important that you take your medication exactly as prescribed and not miss any doses as well as maintain routine checkups with your primary health care provider.
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