Hypothyroid Weight Loss Success Stories

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Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.

See also:

• Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease)
• Subacute thyroiditis
• Silent thyroiditis
• Neonatal hypothyroidism

Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It releases hormones that control metabolism.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland, which damages the gland's cells. Autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the most common example of this. Some women develop hypothyroidism after pregancy (often referred to as "postpartum thyroiditis").

Other common causes of hypothyroidism include:

• Congenital (birth) defects
• Radiation treatments to the neck to treat different cancers, which may also damage the thyroid gland
• Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, done to treat other thyroid problems
• Viral thyroiditis, which may cause hyperthyroidism and is often followed by temporary or permanent hypothyroidism

Certain drugs can cause hypothyroidism, including:

• Amiodarone
• Drugs used for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole
• Lithium
• Radiation to the brain
• Sheehan syndrome, a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes destruction of the pituitary gland

Risk factors include:

• Age over 50 years
• Being female

Early symptoms:

• Being more sensitive to cold
• Constipation
• Depression
• Fatigue or feeling slowed down
• Heavier menstrual periods
• Joint or muscle pain
• Paleness or dry skin
• Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
• Weakness
• Weight gain (unintentional)

Late symptoms, if left untreated:

• Decreased taste and smell
• Hoarseness
• Puffy face, hands, and feet
• Slow speech
• Thickening of the skin
• Thinning of eyebrows

A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal:

• Brittle nails
• Coarse facial features
• Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch
• Swelling of the arms and legs
• Thin and brittle hair

A chest x-raymay show an enlarged heart.

Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:

• TSH test
• T4 test

Lab tests may also reveal:

• Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC)
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increased liver enzymes
• Increased prolactin
• Low sodium

The purpose of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormone that is lacking. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication. Doctors will prescribe the lowest dose possible that effectively relieves symptoms and brings your TSH level to a normal range. If you have heart disease or you are older, your doctor may start with a very small dose.

Lifelong therapy is required unless you have a condition called transient viral thyroiditis.

You must continue taking your medication even when your symptoms go away. When starting your medication, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 - 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least every year.

Important things to remember when you are taking thyroid hormone are:

• Do NOT stop taking the medication when you feel better. Continue taking the medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked.
• Some dietary changes can change the way your body absorbs the thyroid medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are eating a lot of soy products or are on a high-fiber diet.
• Thyroid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medications.
• Do NOT take thyroid hormone with fiber supplements, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or medicines that bind bile acids.

After you start taking replacement therapy, tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism) such as:

• Palpitations
• Rapid weight loss
• Restlessness or shakiness
• Sweating

Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low. It is treated with intravenous thyroid hormone replacement and steroid medications. Some patients may need supportive therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive-care nursing.

In most cases, thyroid levels return to normal with proper treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement must be taken for the rest of your life.

Myxedema coma can result in death.

Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It may be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with untreated hypothyroidism.

Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include:

• Below normal temperature
• Decreased breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Unresponsiveness

Other complications are:

• Heart disease
• Increased risk of infection
• Infertility
• Miscarriage

People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk for:

• Giving birth to a baby with birth defects
• Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol
• Heart failure

People treated with too much thyroid hormone are at risk for angina or heart attack, as well as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism (or myxedema).

If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, call your doctor if:

• You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• You have an infection
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
• You develop new symptoms

There is no prevention for hypothyroidism.

Screening tests in newborns can detect hypothyroidism that is present from birth (congenital hypothyroidism).

Fatourechi V. Subclinical hypothyroidism: an update for primary care physicians. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(1):65-71.

Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 244.

Vaidya B, Pearce SH. Management of hypothyroidism in adults. BMJ. 2008;337.

Allahabadia A, Razvi S, Abraham P, Franklyn J. Diagnosis and treatment of primary hypothyroidism. BMJ. 2009 Mar 26;338.

The thyroid, a gland that is located in the neck, helps to regulate the body's metabolism, sustain the body's temperature and helps to maintain proper function of the body's organs. The two most common thyroid diseases are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is not producing the proper amount of thyroid hormone whereas Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is producing too much.

; the leading cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. This is when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells leaving the thyroid unable to produce the proper amount of hormones needed to do its job, therefore leading to an under active thyroid.

In nearly 95% of cases Hyperthyroidism can be directly linked to Graves Disease. Graves Disease is an auto-immune disease that attacks the healthy thyroid gland. Graves Disease causes the thyroid to produce an abundance of the thyroid hormone.p>

The most common complains of Hypothyroidism are; fatigue, dry skin and hair, muscle aches, weight gain and constantly feeling cold. These symptoms may come on slowly over the course of many years. The average person will not notice the onset of these symptoms until they become severe in nature. The severity of the symptoms will also depend on whether or not the disease is being properly treated.

The symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may also develop slowly over the course of years. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may include weight loss, hair loss, hot flashes, insomnia, nervousness and muscle weakness. Females have noticed that their menstrual cycles have become lighter or may disappear altogether.

Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism are both diagnosed easily once the disease is suspected. A simple blood test that measures the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood is used for both diagnoses. When too little thyroid hormone is found the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made. Conversely, when the level of thyroid hormone is too high the diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism is made.

Hypothyroidism is treated with a man-made thyroid replacement therapy in pill form. The dose will need to be monitored until the proper level of treatment is achieved. Medication for Hypothyroidism is usually taken for the rest of the patient's life.

Hyperthyroidism is treated with either an anti-thyroid medication, for milder cases, or with Radioactive Iodine with more severe cases and for those with Graves Disease. Patients will need to discuss their options thoroughly with their doctor.

Hypothyroidism is a disease that affects the amount of thyroid hormone produced in the body. Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism means that the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. When the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, it can affect the entire body.

People who suffer from hypothyroidism may exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Many of the symptoms are also symptoms associated with other illnesses. Typically, sufferers of hypothyroidism may exhibit symptoms such as joint pain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, weight gain, and brittle nails. Hair loss, as well as depression, and fatigue are also common symptoms of an under active thyroid. Many people may not experience symptoms immediately. More often than not, the symptoms associated with the condition develop slowly over time.

Doctors diagnose hypothyroidism through blood testing. Blood is tested for TSH levels. If TSH levels fall outside of a normal range, hypothyroidism is diagnosed. However, certain people may test within a normal range and need an additional test called a T4 test, which tests for thyroid hormone in the body.

Hypothyroidism is treated with medication. The medication is designed to replace the thyroid hormone. During the first few months after diagnosis, medication may be altered until the right dosage is found. Many People who suffer from hypothyroidism must have frequent blood tests to determine whether they are taking the right amount of medication.

People who suffer from hypothyroidism can alleviate certain symptoms by making small, healthy changes to their diet. Regular exercise is also essential to successfully treating this disease. If symptoms of hypothyroidism persist or worsen, it is advisable to notify a doctor. Treating this disease takes constant work. However, by working with a doctor, it is easily managed.

Getting in control of hypothyroidism can be complicated if you do not take care of yourself. The thyroid is an essential part of your body. If hypothyroidism goes untreated, it can lead to other issues, and may eventually result in having to take the thyroid gland out. However, by keeping track of how you feel, as well as how your medication makes you feel each time the dosage is altered, you can get your body back to where it needs to be.

The thyroid is an unassuming gland, shaped like a butterfly, that resides in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that determine how your body uses energy. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is under-active and doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. If left untreated, this can cause a number of effects throughout the entire body such as higher cholesterol levels, obesity, joint pain, or harm to an unborn baby.

Anyone can get it, but it more common among women and among adults age 60 and older. It runs in families, especially following women.

• Feeling unusually tired or depressed
• Dry skin or brittle nails
• Intolerance for cold temperatures
• Constipation
• Trouble with memory or thinking clearly
• Heavy or irregular menstrual periods

Symptoms may develop slowly and gradually over time; you may not notice them for awhile, or you might mistake them for something else. If you experience any of these symptoms and they worsen or just won't go away, consult your physician.

Your doctor will ask about any symptoms you may have noticed and give you a physical exam. A blood test is the definitive method for determining whether you have hypothyroidism.

If your symptoms are very mild or nonexistent, then your physician may adopt a "wait-and-see" approach. However, if pregnancy becomes a possibility, then you may need to take medication for the baby's health.

Most commonly, thyroid hormone pills are prescribed. Frequently, people begin to feel better in just a week or two. It may take a few months for the symptoms to disappear completely, but you'll likely have to take the medication for the rest of your life. Follow-up with your doctor regularly to make sure you're taking the right dose; too much or too little thyroid hormone can cause problems later on.

If you have severe hypothyroidism, then you'll have to go to the hospital immediately for treatment. The goal here is to avoid myxedema coma, a rare and dangerous disease.

• People over 60 years of age
• Anyone with a family history of thyroid issues
• People with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Women who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant soon