Hormones play important roles in bodily functions. One of the key glands in the body that produce hormones is the thyroid gland, which sits near your throat. An underactive thyroid gland could cause plenty of problems.
Because of the prevalence of hypothyroidism in Boise, Idaho and other parts of the U.S., it is not surprising that thousands of people seek advice from medical experts on how to deal with the illness upon receiving the diagnosis that they have an underactive thyroid gland.
You are not alone
Almost five out of 100 hundred Americans aged 12 years and above has a thyroid problem. Most of the cases are mild, but some require consistent and continuous medical management and monitoring. Some of these people suffer from the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Are you reading this because you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism from the low levels of T4 in your blood? If yes, then perhaps we have information that is relevant in your daily life. Rest assured you could find help to manage your symptoms.
How did your thyroid become inactive?
Your physician may have mentioned a causative factor or two, but it is common for patients with a thyroid disorder to be given multiple possible causes for the problem. In many cases, the origin of the problem can be traced to corrective surgery to the gland. Many patients share a family history of thyroid or endocrine illnesses. Some people have a thyroid problem as a complication of another illness, such as diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Why is it necessary to treat an abnormal thyroid?
If you are on the fence about seeking medical management for an abnormal thyroid, a list of potential complications of a lack of treatment could change your mind. When left untreated, the thyroid gland could swell as it attempts to produce more hormones. The swelling is visible, palpable, and known as a goiter.
What else could occur? When the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, you become more at risk for developing heart disease. The cholesterol level in your blood goes unchecked in the absence of crucial thyroid hormones, which could easily lead to cardiovascular problems.
A pregnant woman who receives a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism should seek medical advice and treatment immediately. If left untreated, an underactive thyroid could lead to complications during delivery, such as pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by fluid retention and hypertension.
Expecting mothers may also develop anemia. Moreover, poor medical management of underactive thyroid conditions may cause birth defects in the fetus. The best person to help with the management of thyroid disorders is an endocrinologist, a specialist physician for hormone disorders.
There is no definitive cure for underactive thyroid conditions but there are effective ways to keep the hormone levels in check. You can still perform your daily activities and enjoy a good quality of life if there is an effective means of replacing the hormones the thyroid gland cannot produce adequately. Talk to an endocrinologist today learn about your medical options.
