Hypothyroidism (Under-active Thyroid): Symptoms, causes and treatment - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

About This Presentation
Title:

Hypothyroidism (Under-active Thyroid): Symptoms, causes and treatment

Description:

Hypothyroidism is a health condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces extremely less amounts of thyroid hormone. – PowerPoint PPT presentation

Number of Views:349

less

Transcript and Presenter's Notes

Title: Hypothyroidism (Under-active Thyroid): Symptoms, causes and treatment


1
Hypothyroidism
2
Hypothyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism is a health condition that occurs
    when the thyroid gland produces extremely less
    amounts of thyroid hormone. Since the prime
    purpose of thyroid hormone is to maintain bodys
    metabolism levels, patients suffering from
    hypothyroidism have slow metabolism. Women over
    60 are vulnerable to hypothyroidism. The ailment
    interferes with the balance of chemical reactions
    in the body. Often the symptoms show up early,
    but, if left untreated can lead to severe
    consequences like obesity, infertility or heart
    disease.

3
Causes of hypothyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland
    fails to produce adequate hormones. It can happen
    due a number of reasons including 
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis (a particular
    inflammatory disease) is the most common cause of
    hypothyroidism. When the immune system produces
    antibodies that attack own tissues, it paves way
    for autoimmune diseases. This process involves
    the thyroid gland, albeit sometimes.  
  • Patients who suffer from hyperthyroidism are
    treated with anti-thyroid medications and
    radioactive iodine therapy to restore balance of
    thyroid hormone. In some cases, treatment of
    hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism.  
  • Thyroid surgery is one of the reasons behind
    hypothyroidism because it involves removing
    certain portion of thyroid gland which halts
    hormone production. 

4
Causes of hypothyroidism
Continue
  • Radiation therapy used to treat head and neck
    cancer can affect thyroid gland leading to
    hypothyroidism.  
  • Iodine deficiency has virtually been rectified in
    most countries. However, if one consumes more
    than required iodine, he becomes a recipient of
    hypothyroidism.

5
Symptoms
  • Symptoms of hypothyroidism Knowing about the
    signs of hypothyroidism is of extreme
    significance because you may not notice them
    initially. But as your metabolism slows and you
    grow old, chances are you may develop visible
    signs of hypothyroidism. Following are the
    symptoms 
  • Tiredness 
  • Weakness 
  • Constipation 
  • Increased sensitivity to cold 
  • Hair loss 
  • Muscular cramps and stiffness in the joints 
  • Unusual menstrual periods 

6
Symptoms
Continue
  • High blood cholesterol level 
  • Depression 
  • Frustration 
  • Partial memory loss 
  • In severe cases jaundice, slow speech and an
    increase in tongue size

7
Treatments
  • The main objective of the treatment is to
    replace the thyroid hormone that you lack. An
    endocrinologist will most commonly prescribe
    Levothyroxine in lowest possible dose. This
    medicine relieves hypothyroidism symptoms and
    brings blood hormone levels back to normal. Most
    people require taking Levothyroxine for lifetime.
    However, there are certain measures to be taken
    while taking Levothyroxine 
  • Dont stop taking the pill even if you start to
    feel better. Strictly follow the doctors
    prescription. 
  • Levothyroxine works best when taken empty stomach
    and an hour before any other medication. If the
    doctor permits to take the medicine at bedtime,
    so be it. Studies have shown that taking thyroid
    pill at bedtime allows the body to absorb the
    medicine better.  

8
Treatments
Continue
  • Maintain a gap of 4 hours between Levothyroxine an
    d fiber supplements, calcium, iron, multivitamins
    etc. 
  • Normally under the watchful eyes of
    experienced endocrinologists, thyroid hormone
    levels become normal with proper treatment. The
    doctors may prescribe thyroid medicines for
    lifetime in some cases.

9
Related Disease
  • HypothyroidismThyroid ProblemHormone
    problemHyperthyroidism

10
CONNECT WITH US
  • Logon to
  • www.lazoi.com
  • Like us on Facebook
  • https//www.facebook.com/LazoiTheLife
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • https//www.twitter.com/lazoithelife
  • Follow us on Pinterest
  • https//www.in.pinterest.com/lazoithelife
Write a Comment
User Comments (0)
About PowerShow.com