Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland stops producing a proper amount of thyroxine, an essential hormone. People who develop the condition will need to attend it for their entire life if they are to control symptoms and avoid complications. By working with a Dallas thyroid doctor, a course of action can be designed that is best suited to the particular needs of the individual.
This is a very common condition with millions of people being inflicted with it, though many of them remain undiagnosed. Anyone can develop hypothyroidism though the chances increase with maturity and women contract it five times more frequently than men. When the hormone is produced in insufficient amounts, several systems withing the body begin to slow down.
Particular medications and a severe lack of iodine are just two of many things that can trigger the condition's onset. An autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease is the cause that is most common. Indications of this are inflammation of the gland which interrupts and prevents it from making enough of the needed hormone.
The fact that the symptoms are typically believed to be caused by other things due to their commonness is one reason why a lot of people have no idea they have the condition. High cholesterol, dry skin, swollen legs, muscle cramps, hair loss, cold intolerance, fatigue, constipation and depression are what may be experienced. With advancement in the situation, the issues may become more stronger and one's metabolism will slow noticeably.
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.
The simplest and most efficient method of addressing this issue is completely replacing the missing hormone. This is something that will need to continue for the person's entire life. If not left unattended, one is likely to develop severe problems involving their heart and lungs.
This is a very common condition with millions of people being inflicted with it, though many of them remain undiagnosed. Anyone can develop hypothyroidism though the chances increase with maturity and women contract it five times more frequently than men. When the hormone is produced in insufficient amounts, several systems withing the body begin to slow down.
Particular medications and a severe lack of iodine are just two of many things that can trigger the condition's onset. An autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease is the cause that is most common. Indications of this are inflammation of the gland which interrupts and prevents it from making enough of the needed hormone.
The fact that the symptoms are typically believed to be caused by other things due to their commonness is one reason why a lot of people have no idea they have the condition. High cholesterol, dry skin, swollen legs, muscle cramps, hair loss, cold intolerance, fatigue, constipation and depression are what may be experienced. With advancement in the situation, the issues may become more stronger and one's metabolism will slow noticeably.
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.
The simplest and most efficient method of addressing this issue is completely replacing the missing hormone. This is something that will need to continue for the person's entire life. If not left unattended, one is likely to develop severe problems involving their heart and lungs.
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