Posts Tagged ‘hypothyroid’

Hypothyroidism: The Disease of the Thyroid Gland

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Hypothyroidism is a medical symptom caused due to abnormally low production of thyroid hormone resulting in many disorders in the human body. The disorders caused due to the hypothyroidism have the direct as well as the indirect influence on the thyroid gland. The inadequate production of the thyroid gland has far-flung consequence on the human body.

What exactly are thyroid hormones?

The thyroid gland of the human body produces the thyroid hormones. The actual location of the thyroid gland in the human body is in the lower part of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. The shape of the gland is very much similar to the shape of the butterfly constituted by the two wings (very much like the wings of the butterfly) called lobes connected by a central part called isthmus.

The thyroid gland consumes iodine which is available from foods having large contents of sodium chloride like seafood, pickles, all junk food etc. The two important forms of thyroid hormones are thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that constitutes 99% and 1% respectively of thyroid hormones present in the blood. The T3 hormone results in all the biological activity. On the other hand when the T4 hormone is get released into the blood from the thyroid gland, the big amount of T4 hormone gets transformed into the T3 hormone. The T3 hormone is considered as the active hormone which exercises influence on the metabolism of cell in the body.

The various symptoms of hypothyroidism

Generally the symptoms of hypothyroidism are insidious. To be more precise the symptoms are not very explicit. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may resemble the symptoms resulting from other conditions also. These become more apparent when the condition worsens gradually as the symptoms are connected to the metabolic retardation of the human body.

The common symptoms resulting from hypothyroidism are as follows:

-Depression

-Fatigue

-Excessive sleepiness

-Modest weight gain

-Increased cholesterol levels

-Cold intolerance

-Dry, coarse hair

-Muscle cramps

-Dry skin

-Constipation

-Swelling of legs

-Vague aches and pain

-Decreased concentration

If the ailment becomes more chronic, it may result in puffiness around the eyes, dropping of body temperature and even slowing of heart rate thereby resulting in heart failure. In most of its intense form, acute hypothyroidism can be life threatening resulting in myxedema coma. An individual suffering from severe hypothyroidism may develop myxedema coma which is generally triggered by traumatic injury, stress, severe illness, complicated surgery etc. It’s a serious condition which requires prompt treatment and hospitalization in which it is adequately essential to inject the thyroid hormones. Correctly diagnosed hypothyroidism is completely curable and can be easily treated by the replacement of thyroid hormones which is not a very complicated surgery.

Ignoring hypothyroidism can prove to be fatal. It may result in the accretion of fluids all along the lungs, commonly termed as pleural effusion and the enlargement of the heart termed as cardiomyopathy which can even lead to heart failure. So if you are diagnosed with the hypothyroidism, it is always advisable to consult your doctor immediately.

Author Bio: At http://hypothyroidismdiet.net/ you can learn more about hypothyroidism and its causes, cures, symptoms and what is the optimal hypothyroidism diet.

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Children with Hypothyroidism

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland releases hormones that help the body to function in many different ways. When the thyroid gland stops producing as much of this hormone it is called hypothyroidism or ‘underactive thyroid’. When this condition occurs in little children it can severely affect their growth and development. If diagnosed make sure as early as possible to initiate correct treatment. The risks of something severely to occur are greatly reduced when treated in the early stages.

Most babies that are born with hypothyroidism are usually a result of the mother lacking iodine in her diet. This may be more common in countries where it is difficult to get iodine rich foods. This is normally a condition in which the thyroid did not develop properly, and can mostly be quite easily treated with immediate hormone replacements. One of the scariest thoughts for a parent is missing the signs of this disorder in their baby and it being left so long that permanent brain damage could be the result. Luckily the symptoms are rather easy to spot, when you know what to look for.

The symptoms a new parent would notice if their child had this condition would be not feeding well, low body temperature, constipation, slow pulse, and sleeping more than usual. For any new mum or dad these signs are very subtle as all babies are different. If left for a period of time the advanced symptoms may include dry skin and hair, slow reflexes, puffiness and swelling or simply a lack in normal development. When babies are born now they are tested for this condition and treated immediately as doctors are aware of the detrimental effects of hypothyroidism in babies. We also have a lot more checkups with doctors and health nurses in certain places.

Many symptoms found in older kids are similar to grown ups who have developed this condition. Absolute lack of energy and motivation, focus, memory and concentration, drowsiness, dry flaky skin and depression. It may be hard to pinpoint the symptoms as most teenagers may seem to contain a few of these symptoms anyway, but if it’s very consistent and regular as opposed to temperamental signs then a health professional should be contacted.

Actually this is the case if you suspect your child, at ANY age, is suffering from an underactive thyroid. The older the child is, the less likely that he/she will suffer from permanent effects, but the symptoms can be tough to deal with at any age and there can always be more damage caused. As a parent it is important to keep on top of the regular checkups and blood tests. This is so your childs doctor can alter treatments given and avoid a situation where your child may suffer a whole new variety of symptoms more similar to an overactive thyroid (too many hormones being produced). Girls seem to suffer from this condition more that boys.

Treatment is not expensive and easily taken but must be monitered in children.

Author Bio: At http://hypothyroidismdiet.net/ you can learn more about hypothyroidism and its causes, cures, symptoms and what is the optimal hypothyroidism diet.

To begin losing weight fast we recommend using the new fail-proof diet from The Weight Loss Grail.

This is a brand new type of diet that will never leave you feeling hungry or ask you to give up your favorite foods.

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An Overview on Hypothyroidism

Sunday, January 3rd, 2010

Hypothyroidism is very similar to endocryinological disorder and cannot be observed in isolation. It is essential to observe Hypothyroidism as unsoundness or disturbance in the concordance of the entire hormonal balance of the human body.

A typical treatment regime would aim towards restoring the disturbed hormonal balance of the body resulting in achieving the long lasting correction of the entire system. Once the treatment is discontinued, the chances of the patient returning to the diseased condition become very bleak.

In Hypothyroidism, the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland are very low. As the thyroid hormone is directly associated with the growth and development process of the human body as well as the other cellular process, inadequate production of the thyroid hormone has got extensive consequence on the human body.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Generally Hypothyroidism is considered as a rather common ailment caused due to the inefficient working of the thyroid gland. The ailment is more common among the women than the men. It is being estimated that around 3% to 5% of the population is suffering from some form of Hypothyroidism that actually worsens with the age.

Most of the commonly seen symptoms of Hypothyroidism are as below

-Modest weight gain

-Depression

-Fatigue

-Cold intolerance

-Excessive sleepiness

-Dry skin

-Constipation

-Dry and coarse hair

-Swelling in legs

-Muscle cramps

-Vague aches and pains

-Increased in cholesterol levels

-Decreased concentration.

Puffiness around the eyes also occurs as the disease becomes more acute. In most of the acute forms, this ailment can also be life threatening causing slow heart rate, fall of body temperature leading to heart failure. An individual suffering from acute Hypothyroidism requires hospitalization and immediate medical aid wherein it becomes adequately essential to inject the thyroid hormone into the patient’s body.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRP) is the only desired treatment to cure Hyperthyroidism. In general terms this treatment makes compensation for the inadequate hormones being produced by the thyroid glands which is very much alike food supplement.

Hormone replacement therapy is a lifelong treatment which may have certain harmful effects also. So many people nowadays, opt for natural treatment regimens. If the individual is opting for natural hyperthyroidism treatment, then it is required to limit the consumption of nicotine, caffeine (being found in coffee, tea, plain chocolates and colas).

Abstinence from such foodstuff may reduce the symptoms to some extent thereby enhancing the metabolic rate. Planning of diet is very essential in the natural treatment of Hyperthyroidism. The diet should be rich in essential nutrients with the food rich in iodine like seafood, salt; breads etc. Vegetables like raw cabbage, radish and turnips should be avoided as they slow down the ability of the human body to produce the thyroid hormone.

Also, protein rich diet consisting of lots of fish and eggs is helpful in replacing the muscle tissues that is being lost by the body. The intake of vitamin B should be increase which is reasonably found in whole grains, dairy products and potatoes.

With the natural hyperthyroidism treatment, the patient will feel much healthier and can recommence living without any stress and with no surgery.

Author Bio: At http://hypothyroidismdiet.net/ you can learn more about hypothyroidism and its causes, cures, symptoms and what is the optimal hypothyroidism diet.

To begin losing weight fast we recommend using the new fail-proof diet from The Weight Loss Grail.

This is a brand new type of diet that will never leave you feeling hungry or ask you to give up your favorite foods.

You can begin this fantastic new diet right here: http://www.theweightlossgrail.com

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Posted in Weight Loss | No Comments »