Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disease brought on by underactive thyroid function, where production of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) is insufficient. It is estimated that roughly 3% of the general population has this condition. Risk is greater where there is an iodine deficiency or exposure to iodine-131. In patients with healthy levels of iodine, hypothyroidism may be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, by a deficiency of hormones from the hypothalamus or hypophysis (pituitary gland), or by the lack of a thyroid gland.
Several classifications of hypothyroidism include:
Acute thyroiditis
Cretinism (pediatric patients)
Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Iatrogenic hypothyroidism
Ord's thyroiditis (atrophic autoimmune hypothyroidism)
Postoperative hypothyroidism
Postpartum thyroiditis
Silent thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism symptoms may vary from person to person and depending upon the patient's case and type of hypothyroidism.
Common early symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Arthritis
Bradycardia (resting heart rate under 60 beats per minute)
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Depression
Goiter
Fatigue
Joint pain
Muscle cramps
Muscle hypotonia (low or poor tone)
Paleness
Skin which is dry and itchy
Thin and brittle hair and fingernails
Weight gain
As hypothyroidism progresses, later symptoms may include:
Decreased waking (basal) body temperature
Dysphonia (hoarse voice)
Eyebrow thinning on the outermost third section
Menstrual cycles which are abnormal
Skin which is dry and puffy
Slowed speech
Some more rare symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Anemia
Difficulty swallowing
Hair loss
Heat intolerance
Hives (Urticaria)
Impairment of memory and congitive functions
Irritability / mood swings
Osteopenia or osteoperosis
Poor reflexes
Psychosis (acute) and anxiety or panic attacks
Reactive hypoglycemia
If hypothyroidism is suspected, a diagnosis should be made by a doctor or medical professional. Once a case of hypothyroidism is confirmed, proper treatment may begin.
