What is Hypothyroidism? Learn More

By Jane Jack Collins

Thyroid Gland
When asking the question what is hypothyroidism, we have to look first at the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It is made up of two lobes that wrap themselves around the trachea or windpipe. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and releases the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
Development of Hypothyroidism
What is hypothyroidism is a question that can be answered by first looking at the causes and development of hypothyroidism. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are brought on when the gland slows or completely ceases the production of thyroid hormones. There are many factors that can cause this to happen:
Autoimmune disease: When posing the question what is hypothyroidism to your physician, they may want to look at performing tests to determine autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease can sometimes cause your body to mistake thyroid cells for invading cells, causing your body's immune system to attack. In turn, your body will not produce enough thyroid hormone.
Congenital hypothyroidism: Being born with the disease of hypothyroidism is another way to answer the question, what is hypothyroidism. Some infants may be born without a thyroid gland, or they will be born with only a partial gland.
Surgical removal: Surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland is another answer to the question, what is hypothyroidism.
Unbalanced iodine levels: Another answer to the question, what is hypothyroidism, is unbalanced levels of iodine. Having too much, or too little iodine will cause your body's thyroid levels to fluctuate.
Medications: Taking certain medications can cause the body's thyroid levels to rise and fall. This could very well be another answer to the question, what is hypothyroidism.
Pituitary damage: One factor your physician may look at when posing the question, what is hypothyroidism, is whether or not the pituitary gland is functioning correctly. Your pituitary gland acts as a message center, and it sends messages to your thyroid gland. If the pituitary gland malfunctions it will cause hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
One important factor when asking, what is hypothyroidism, is diagnostics. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism will often involve many tests. These tests will consist of blood draws, MRI and CT imaging tests, and aspiration of thyroid cells. After running the necessary tests, your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat your hypothyroidism.
Treatment
After diagnosis, your physician will sit down with you and discuss your treatment options. There are many treatment options available, and they will each be dependent of various factors. Most likely, you will be given thyroxine. Thyroxine is one of the hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland, and taking this will help level out your thyroid levels.
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