HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is the disease state in humans and in animals caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

CAUSES

• Iodine Deficiency
• Diseases such as Hashimoto thyroiditis
• Lack of thyroid gland
• Deficiency of hormones from the brain

SYMPTOMS
Early symptoms

• Poor muscle tone
• Fatigue
• Cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold
• Depression
• Muscle cramps and joint pain
• Goiter
• Thin, brittle fingernails
• Thin, brittle hair
• Paleness
• Decreased sweating
• Dry, itchy skin
• Weight gain
• Bradycardia (low heart rate – less than sixty beats per minute)
• Constipation

LATE SYMPTOMS

• Slow speech and a hoarse breaking voice – deepening of the voice can also be noticed
• Dry puffy skin, especially on the face
• Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe)
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Low basal body temperature

TREATMENT

• Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormones (L-T4) and (L-T3) available in the form of tablets.
• Thyroid hormone is taken daily, and doctors can monitor blood levels to help assure proper dosing.