Hypothyroidism

 

                                          
Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid gland produces fewer hormones. Production of less thyroid hormone may affect growth and cellular activities as this hormone controls these activities of the body. There are many disorders that might lead to this problem.

Thyroid hormone controls the metabolic activity of the body. The amount of this hormone released by thyroid glands is controlled by pituitary gland. In a person suffering from hypothyroidism there is less circulation of thyroid hormones in the body. Hypothyroidism is a common in women than in men and the severity of this condition might increase with age. Iodine deficiency, diseases in pituitary glands or in hypothalamus, thyroid destruction after a surgery etc might be few causes of a person developing this disorder.

The symptoms of this condition might vary from person to person; the common symptoms include dry skin, constipation, fatigue, excessive sleepiness, weight gain etc.  If one suffers from a sever hypothyroidism one may experience puffy eyes, decrease in heart rate, drop in body temperature and heart failure, severe hypothyroidism might induce a person into coma if not treated. After reviewing symptoms physician might recommend blood test to diagnose this condition. If this condition occurs due a diseases or infection of the pituitary gland the blood thyroid levels are extremely low.

Hypothyroidism is treated through medication that consists of synthesized thyroid hormones. The dosage of the medication differs from adults to children. Often children require larger dose of this medication. In few cases people suffering from this condition do not exhibit symptoms until their blood activity levels are increased this may happen if the pituitary gland works harder to maintain normal levels of this hormone, medication can also be used to treat these patients to regulate the thyroid levels in the blood stream.