subject: The Facts Behind Hypothyroidism [print this page] The condition in which the thyroid glands emit an inadequate level of thyroid hormones is hypothyroidism. The body requires these hormones for proper metabolism growth, expansion and healthy cellular processing. An unusually low amount of thyroid hormones could cause extensive side effects throughout the body.
But just what are these thyroid homones and why do we need them so badly?
These are bodily chemicals sent out by the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a minuscule gland shaped similarly as a butterfly that is found toward the neck's frontal region, just beneath the larynx or Adam's apple.
The two most important hormones secreted by your thyroid are Thyroxine (T4) triiodothyronine (T-3). These hormones have a lot of important functions; they help regulate chemical reactions and controls your body temperature as well as the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates. These hormones are also involved in the circadian rhythms that governs sleep, as well as influencing your heart rate and regulation of protein production.
However, these hormones will not be produced without the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. The pituitary is a small gland the size of a peanut that is found at the base of the brain.
The thyroid gland is stimulated to secrete T3 and T4 by the pituatary gland's production of more TSH which was in turn a signal from the brain when our body needs the thyroid hormones to be called into action. This then causes the levels of these hormones in the blood to become elevated. The amount of T3 and T4 which are in your blood determines the amount these levels are raised. And based on the level of TSH received, the thyroid will regulate its hormone production.
As an influencing factor in the regulation and metabolization of how much calcium is in your blood, a hormone called calcitonin is produced by the thyroid.
What exactly causes hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is caused by an assortment of factors. They are:
* A disease called Autoimmune, aka "hashimoto throiditis"
This condition is an illness in which the immune system creates antibodies, and these antibodies attack their own tissue. There are instances in which the process could involve the thyroid gland. While the origin of autoimmune disease is unknown, there are speculations of it being either bacteria or a virus. Irregardless of that, it is able to pose a major influence on many different organs of the body, including the thyroid. This results in damage to the thyroid tissue and making it incapacitated for making the hormones the body needs.
* When Thyroid Surgical Removal is Necessary
Thyroid cancer is among the medical conditions which necessitate removing part of the thyroid gland, itself. When the body's need for hormones is not met by the total mass of thyroid, hypothyroidism will be the result.
The purpose of this therapy is destroy or kill a portion of the thyroid to prevent it from growing larger or to prevent overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism)
* Undergoing Radiation Therapy
This is a process utilized for the treatment of cancer in the head, neck and thyroid. This is something that could have an impact on the thyroid gland's ability to function, thus leading to hypothyroidism.
* Dealing with Congenital Disease
There are approximately three thousand newborns in America who come into the world with issues in their thyroid glands, or they are born with non at all. Even as some kids have acceded to a type of thyroid condition, there are other instances that have revealed mysterious circumstances for not getting a thyroid at all. This is what has resulted in a lot of states contriving a form of thyroid screening for infants.
* Pregnancy
The problem of hypothyroidism is often a result of the mother producing antibodies against their own thyroid gland during and post pregnancy. Preclampsia, premature delivery, and even miscarriage can result if left untreated.
* Severe Iodine Deficiency
Iodine can be found in almost every edible substance, and is needed to produce thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is common in most part of the world. In the United States though, the daily consumption of table salt added with iodine has lessened and even to a point eliminated this problem.
* Pituitary Gland Tumors
The thyroid must have TSH to produce its hormones, and unfortunately these pituitary gland tumors may affect the production of TSH.
Hypothyroidism: The Symptoms
* Feeling tired
* Feeling sluggish or weak
* Gaining extra weight or not being able to lose weight
* Hair that is dry and coarse
* Pale skin that is rough and dry
* Loss of hair
* Inability to tolerate cold
* Frequent muscle aches and cramps
* Becoming constipated
* Becoming depressed
* Becoming more irritable
* Loss of memory
* Menstrual cycles which have become abnormal
* A decrease in libido
All this evidence points to just how major a part your thyroid gland plays in your overall health. Consult your doctor who can then recommend proper treatment if you have any of these signs of hypothyroidism.
