Hypothyroidism – What is It?

Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 4:41 am

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in human body. Thyroid gland manufactures hormones for the body, these hormones control the metabolism of the body. Thyroid gland is also important when growing up, the hormones created by this gland help in proper growth of the body and is especially important during child to adults transformation of children.

However, at times the thyroid gland does not perform as desired. At times it may release more hormones causing an havoc with overall health of a person, at other times it may release less quantities of hormones again causing small problems with the person.

Here we deal with the stage of hypothyroidism, this is the stage when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and therefore can cause mild to severe effects on a person’s health. Though there is a possibility that at least 3-5% of population suffers from hypothyroidism, this illness often goes unnoticed.

The reason why hypothyroidism goes unnoticed is because the symptoms are often misunderstood for some other illness, at times the diagnosis does not happen until the lack of hormones reaches an extreme stage. Hypothyroidism can happen at any age during the lifetime.

For the thyroid gland to function normally it has been found that our diet requires mineral called iodine. Iodine deficiency can be filled by including iodine rich foods in the diet, you will find iodine enriched salt, some sea vegetables and fishes too are found to be rich in iodine.

Hypothyroidism is not just in adults, it can exist in children between the ages of 10-12, this can affect their natural growth speed and cause several health and mental problems. Hypothyroidism also exists in pregnant women, at times this stage develops during pregnancy, other times it might be present at the time of pregnancy already. Doctors all around the world are trying to find out whether or not this problem would affect the fetus and later the child in his developmental process.

There are several symptoms of hypothyroidism, during the initial stages these symptoms are mild as the hypothyroidism advances the symptoms too could become extreme. Extreme cases of hypothyroidism can result into coma and death. Since the thyroid gland is related to metabolism of the body, the symptoms at times may seem to be just a natural condition. Let us first see the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

1) Mild increase in weight is the first symptom of this condition; this is rarely noticed as people deem it normal to put on weight.

2) Constipation, this is another symptom, which often gets misunderstood as lack of fiber in body.

3) Fatigue

4) Ability to concentrate diminishes considerably, it is difficult to pay attention to a single subject for a long time.

5) You may not be able to withstand cold climate.

6) There could be swelling in legs and loss in sensation at finger tips of hands and legs.

7) You will find a change in your hair quality, it could look dry and coarse.

As the condition continues, these symptoms continue. However, if hypothyroidism becomes severe above conditions too will become severe.

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