Doctor's Notes on Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which affects the body’s metabolic processes. Low thyroid hormone levels decrease metabolism, and increase the risk of other health issues such as heart disease and pregnancy problems. Common causes of hypothyroidism in adults include autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), subacute thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland after a viral disease or after a pregnancy), previous thyroid therapy, drug-induced hypothyroidism, pituitary and hypothalamic disease, and iodine deficiency.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weakness, cold intolerance, muscle aches and cramps, constipation, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, poor appetite, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), dry and rough skin, coarse hair or hair loss, eye and face swelling, deeper and/or hoarse voice, enlarged tongue, irregular or heavy menstrual periods, depression, memory loss, slowed thinking and mental activity, or increased blood cholesterol levels.
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Where is the thyroid gland located?
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Anatomy of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pineal, reproductive, and the pancreas. -
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (also referred to as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is a disease affecting the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone regulation. Symptoms of Hashimoto's disease include fatigue, feeling excessively cold, mental fogginess, constipation, dry skin, fluid retention, depression, heavy vaginal bleeding (menorrhagia), and stiff joints and muscles. Treatment for Hashimoto's disease is generally with medication. -
Myxedema (Crisis) Coma
The thyroid gland at the front of the neck is responsible for helping to regulate metabolism through secreting hormones. When the gland secretes too little, it can result in the rare but serious myxedema coma. IV fluids and hormone replacement are included in treatment. -
Thyroid Cancer
Find out more about thyroid cancer's symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risk factors. The main types of thyroid cancer include papillary thyroid cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, medullary carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. -
Thyroid FAQs
The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine (hormone) system. The thyroid gland produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). Diseases of the thyroid gland include: hyperthyroidism, subacute thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and thyroid nodules. Thyroid medications are used to treat thyroid disorders. -
Thyroid Medications
Thyroid medications treat diseases of the thyroid, including hyperthyroidism (such as Graves' disease), hypothyroidism, thyroid disorders in pregnancy, post-partum thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and thyroid nodules. Thyroid medications replace thyroid hormone levels [L-thyroxine (or LT4), L-triiodothyronine (T3)] or suppress growth of thyroid tissue [propylthiouracil (PTU), methimazole], or control symptoms such as beta-blockers and iodide solutions. -
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps that are either solid or fluid-filled. Thyroid nodules may be benign or malignant (cancerous). Thyroid nodules may be caused by goiters, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid cysts, benign thyroid tumors, malignant thyroid tumors, or thyroid cancer. Treatment depends upon the type and cause of the thyroid nodule. -
Thyroid Problems
Diseases of the thyroid gland can lead to hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, thyroid goiters, or thyroid cancer. Symptoms of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism-related conditions include constipation, fatigue, weight gain, cold or heat intolerance, to coma. Treatment depends upon the thyroid condition.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.