Hypothyroidism

Definition

Hypothyroidism is a disease that may be occur from hypothalamic, pituitary or thyroid insufficiency. In which, the disorder can progress to life-threatening myxedema coma. Mostly, it is occurred in women than men. Hypothyroidism occurs primarily after age 40. But after age 65, the prevalence increases to as much as 10% in females. If you have advanced hypothyroidism, then it may cause severe complications, and the most serious one of which is myxedema.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism is a disorder of the gland itself, and it is most common. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and it occurs when auto antibodies destroy thyroid gland tissue. It is associated with goiter is known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Causes of hypolliyroidism in adults include:

• Inadequate production of thyroid hormone. usually after thyroidectomy or radiation therapy, inflammation, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or such conditions as amyloidosis and arcoidosis.
• Pituitary failure to produce thyroid stimulating hormone, hypothalamic failure to produce thyroid-releasing hormone, inborn errors of thyroid hormone synthesis, iodine deficiency or use of such anti thyroid medications as propylthiouracil.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

In which, Typical, vague, early clinical features of hypothyroidism include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Forgetfulness
• Sensitivity to cold
• Unexplained weight gain, and constipation.

Other various symptoms of this disease include:

• Characteristic myxedematous signs and symptoms of decreasing mental stability; coarse, dry, flaky, inelastic skin; puffy face, hands, and feet; hoarseness; periorbital edema; upper eyelid droop; dry, sparse hair; and thick, brittle nails.
• Anorexia, abdominal distention, menorrhagia, decreased libido, infertility, ataxia, and nystagmus; reflexes with delayed relaxation time.
• Progression to myxedema coma, usually gradual but possibly developing abruptly, with stress aggravating severe or prolonged hypothyroidism, including progressive stupor, hypoventilation, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypotension, and hypothermia.

Other possible complications of hypothyroidism include:

• Heart failure
• Myxedema coma
• Infection
• Megacolon
• Organic psychosis
• Infertility

Treatment of Hypothyroidism

If you have this disease, then you should be use Possible treatment such as:

• The purpose of treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. The lowest dose effective in treating symptoms and normalizing the TSH is used. After replacement therapy has begun, if report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating.
• Another Prompt treatment of hypothyroidism in infants prevents physical and mental retardation.
• You should provide support to help parents deal with a child who may be mentally retarded. Help them adopt a positive but realistic attitude and focus on their child's strengths rather than her weaknesses.
• For the treatment of this disease, you should eat high-bulk, low-calorie diet and also encourage activity to combat constipation and promote weight loss. Administer cathartics and stool softeners as needed.