The first thing we need is a basic understanding of Hypothyroidism.  I hope to give you an explanation as well as a personal glimpse into what it is like to have it.  As I said on the index page I will not be giving credit here as that would be impossible.  I have collected this information over the past twenty-two years from various sources, source types, and from personal experience as well. DEFINITION Hypothyroidism is a condition of decreased activity of the thyroid gland. ETIOLOGY Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck just below the larynx, fails to secrete several hormones which control body metabolism and regulate calcium balance.  These hormones are thyroxine [T4], triiodothyronine [T3], and calcitonin. The causes may be due to disease of the thyroid gland [primary hypothyroidism] such as Hashimoto's disease where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, or from failure of the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland [secondary hypothyroidism].  Other causes are congenital defects, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, irradiation of the gland, or inflammatory conditions. Risk factors include being over 50 years old, being female, obesity, thyroid surgery, and x-ray or radiation treatments.  The incidence is about 2 out of every 100 people. SYMPTOMS Hypothyroidism may cause a variety of symptoms and may affect all body functions.  The body's normal rate of functioning slows, causing mental and physical sluggishness.  The symptoms may vary from mild to severe, with the most severe form called myxedema, which is a medical emergency. Weakness Fatigue Cold intolerance Constipation Weight gain Depression Joint or muscle pain Thin, brittle fingernails Thinning of hair Pale color Slow speech [Read this story to see how bad it can get] Dry flaky skin Thickening of the skin Puffy face, hands and feet Decreased taste and smell Thinning of eyebrows Hoarseness Abnormal or skipped menstrual periods Dry hair Hair loss Facial swelling Ear noise/buzzing Drowsiness Loss of appetite TREATMENT The purpose of treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone.  Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medication, but others are available.  The lowest dose effective in relieving symptoms is used.  Lifelong therapy is indicated as relapses will occur if therapy is interrupted.  Medication must be continued even when symptoms subside.  After replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity [hyperthyroidism] such as restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating. MY POINT of VIEW Hypothyroidism was one of the first diagnosis I got.  You can read how it was detected and diagnosed in my story.  After my dosage was determined, I have not had any other problems because of it.  Blood tests are taken routinely to confirm that I am getting the correct dose. 2000 UPDATE All updates should be the same.  Annual blood work to determine the correct Synthroid dosage and any necessary changes due to results with a repeat to verify that the dosage is correct.  Mine seems to be OK at 0.125mcg for a while then it is too much so they reduce me to 0.112mcg which is fine for a while then it needs to be increased. 2002 UPDATE Synthroid continues at 0.112mcg.

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