Understanding The Treatment For Underactive Thyroids
Being diagnosed with an under active thyroid is both good news and bad news. Of course, the bad news is you have this problem in the first place.
The good news is now you have a definitive diagnosis and can seek treatment for underactive thyroid – because unfortunately, you may have been suffering from the symptoms of hypothyroidism for years and not been aware of it.
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, can often be mistaken for other issues. Those symptoms include:
fatigue
weight gain
dry skin
intolerance to cold temperatures
constipation
hair loss
irregular menstrual periods
depression
The condition is more common in women. One in ten women over 60 have a mild form of hypothyroidism.
In order to implement the best treatment for underactive thyroid, you must first understand how the thyroid works. It is responsible for many of the essential metabolic processes of the body and it helps the body metabolize the energy from food. The two hormones involving the thyroid are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is made by the pituitary gland. If the amount of T3 and T4 are too low, the pituitary gland signals the thyroid to make more thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism is the result when the thyroid cannot produce more of T3 or T4. This can be a result of aging, it may have a genetic link, or damage to the thyroid by surgery or radiation, such as x-rays. Certain medications may also affect the thyroid. Lithium, used to treat depression; amiodarone, used in the treatment of an abnormal heartbeat or interferon for the treatment of hepatitis can all negatively affect the function of the thyroid. It is estimated 5 out of 100 pregnant women will also suffer from an underactive thyroid, although this condition typically clears up after childbirth. In non-developed countries, hypothyroidism can be caused by a deficit in iodine, but this is rare in more developed countries.
Options Concerning Treatment For Underactive Thyroid Glands
Treatment for underactive thyroid typically includes hormone replacement therapy with either a synthetic form of T4 called levothyroxine or Synthroid, or a natural hormone from pig thyroids, known as Armour. Armour thyroid medication is made from pig thryoid because it is most like the human thyroid. It has ben criticized because it is more difficult to regulate the amount of hormone received, but studies have indicated the same problem with levothyroxine. However, some patients who do not do well with levothyroxine have reported much better results with Armour.
Every person suffering from an underactive thyroid will need to be evaluated by their doctor and an appropriate form of treatment chosen. It will often take a few weeks to know if the treatment is working properly, and you will have to undergo regular blood tests to check your blood levels for T3, T4 and TSH. If you are prescribed medication, you will most likely have to take it for the rest of your life, as there is no cure for hypothyroidism. Even so, most people diagnosed with this condition go on to lead normal and active lives provided they maintain their treatment for underactive thyroid.
