The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped structure located in the front of the neck. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of a substance called thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate the body's metabolism. Hypothyroidism develops in about 5% of the population in the United States and is especially common in women older than 60 years. The December 10, 2003, issue of JAMA includes an article about treating hypothyroidism.
Grahic Jump Location
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes the production of thyroid hormone to decrease.
Treatments for certain thyroid diseases can damage the thyroid gland, especially radioactive iodine that is often used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Surgery to remove most or all of the gland, usually done when there is a thyroid tumor, will also cause hypothyroidism.
Certain drugs can cause hypothyroidism, particularly lithium and the heart medication amiodarone.
Sometimes the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone because the pituitary gland near the brain is not functioning properly. The pituitary gland signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone through the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH.
Weight gain (usually no more than 10 to 15 pounds) and difficulty losing weight
Cold intolerance
Dry hair and skin
Decreased sex drive
Fatigue
Weakness
Muscle cramps
Depression
Patients with mild hypothyroidism may not have any symptoms.
In some people, the thyroid gland may enlarge in an effort to produce the thyroid hormone that the body needs and become visible in the neck, forming what is known as a goiter.
In most cases, hypothyroidism is easily diagnosed with a blood test that measures levels of TSH and thyroid hormone in the blood. An endocrinologist (a doctor who specializes in glands and hormones) may be helpful in evaluating the cause and determining treatment options.
Hypothyroidism is usually easy to treat with a once-a-day pill containing synthetic thyroid hormone. However, blood tests and several visits with a physician may be needed to determine the correct dosage. The benefits of treatment may not be apparent for a month or longer.
American Thyroid Association 800/THYROID (849-7643)http://www.thyroid.org
Thyroid Foundation of America 800/832-8321http://www.allthyroid.org
To find this and other JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com.
Sources: American Thyroid Association, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, American Foundation of Thyroid Patients, Thyroid Foundation of America
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TOPIC: THYROID DISORDERS
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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