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FAQ
Detailed Search
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| Topic: |
endocrine & metabolic diseases (en) |
| Title: |
Hypothyroidism FAQ. |
| Author: |
n/a |
| Source: |
Falls Church, VA: American Thyroid Association. 2008. 1 p. |
| Availability: |
Available from American Thyroid Association. 6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste 550, Falls Church, VA 22041. Email: thyroid@thyroid.org. Website: www.thyroid.org. Price: Available free of charge on website. |
| Abstract: |
This fact sheet outlines the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include feeling tired, depressed, sluggish, or cold; having dry skin and hair; being constipated; experiencing muscle cramps; gaining weight; or, for women, having a heavier menstrual flow. Some patients have a goiter, a swelling in the front of the neck, due to thyroid enlargement. In the United States, most hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition in which the patient’s immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, a physical examination, and laboratory tests that measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine, and antithyroid antibodies. Treatment usually consists of a daily oral dosage of synthetic thyroxine. The fact sheet concludes by recommending regular annual follow-up by a health care provider to check hormone levels and make sure the drug therapy dosage is correct. Readers are referred to the American Thyroid Association website at www.thyroid.org for more information. 3 references. |
| Format: |
Factsheet |
| Language: |
English. |
| Major Keywords: |
Endocrine Diseases and Disorders. Hypothyroidism. Symptoms. Etiology. Diagnosis. Therapy. Patient Care Management. |
| Minor Keywords: |
Patient Education. Diagnostic Tests. Hormones. Drug Therapy. Hashimoto’s Disease. TSH. Thyroxine. Immune System. |
| Publication Number: |
ENDC10137 |
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