When thyroxine, a very important regulatory hormone is not produced in adequate amounts, hypothyroidism occurs. To avoid complications and maintain control of symptoms, sufferers of this condition will need to directly address it for their whole life. To develop an care plan that is most appropriate and beneficial for the individual, partnering with a Dallas thyroid doctor is most advisable.
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.
Several things may incite the onset of this condition including a severe iodine deficiency and certain medications. The most common cause by far is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease. It causes high inflammation in the gland and prevents it from producing the necessary hormone in sufficient amounts.
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.
A physician who suspects a patient may have hypothyroidism will begin to confirm these suspicions with a blood test. The results will indicate the condition's existence but will not necessarily point to what is causing it. For that, other diagnostic tools such as the individual's medical history, antibody screening, system scans and even an MRI may be utilized.
Complete hormone replacement is the easiest, steadiest and most efficient way to handle the problem. This method of care will have to be continued throughout the patient's lifetime. Very serious lung and heart issues may develop if one leaves their condition unattended.
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.
Several things may incite the onset of this condition including a severe iodine deficiency and certain medications. The most common cause by far is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease. It causes high inflammation in the gland and prevents it from producing the necessary hormone in sufficient amounts.
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.
A physician who suspects a patient may have hypothyroidism will begin to confirm these suspicions with a blood test. The results will indicate the condition's existence but will not necessarily point to what is causing it. For that, other diagnostic tools such as the individual's medical history, antibody screening, system scans and even an MRI may be utilized.
Complete hormone replacement is the easiest, steadiest and most efficient way to handle the problem. This method of care will have to be continued throughout the patient's lifetime. Very serious lung and heart issues may develop if one leaves their condition unattended.
About the Author:
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.