People with untreated hypothyroidism may also be more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Hypothyroidism reduces fertility in both men and women. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of sex hormones, which control the production of sperm and eggs.
In men, low levels of thyroid hormones have been linked to erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape, and decreased libido. Men with hypothyroidism often also have low levels of testosterone. Evidence from multiple studies suggests that menstrual problems are three times more frequent in women with hypothyroidism. Variation in flow and irregular menstruation are the most common symptoms. Women with autoimmune thyroid disorder are also more likely to have infertility.
Studies suggest that not enough thyroid hormones during pregnancy may cause problems. It can increase the risk of a miscarriage or other complications, like preeclampsia or preterm birth. That way, proper treatment can begin as soon as possible. You may need to adjust the dose of thyroid medication frequently during pregnancy, so regular thyroid tests are important.
If you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor. Being proactive and treating hypothyroidism early can help avoid any major complications. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Whether you've just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or have been living with it for some time, there are certain things you should know about…. Myxedema is a result of undiagnosed or untreated hypothyroidism, or when someone stops taking their thyroid supplements.
Learn more. Understand the link between your stress levels and your thyroid. Armour Thyroid is a natural desiccated thyroid extract for treating hypothyroidism. Used for over a century, this type of thyroid medication can cause…. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking a daily oral medication called levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone. It restores the body's hormone levels to normal, which reverses the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The amount of levothyroxine needed varies from person to person. To determine the right dosage for you, your health care provider will regularly check your level of thyroid hormone. The first blood test is done six to eight weeks after you start taking the medication. After that, blood levels generally are checked every six months. Then, if the levels stay within the normal range for several years, monitoring usually can switch to once a year. Some medications, including nonprescription over-the-counter ones, can affect the absorption or metabolism of thyroid hormone tablets, so you should notify your health care provider whenever you begin or discontinue other medications.
It's important to receive the correct amount of this medication because too little levothyroxine won't adequately control hypothyroidism and too much can cause side effects, such as increased appetite, insomnia, shakiness, and heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat.
Work with your health care provider to set up a schedule for your follow-up visits. With careful monitoring and treatment, when necessary, hypothyroidism can be effectively controlled, eliminating symptoms and decreasing your risk of complications from this condition. Robert C. By Liza Torborg. Tuesday Tips: Small steps to a day-changing morning. When hypothyroidism in infants isn't treated, even mild cases can lead to severe physical and mental retardation.
In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience:. See your doctor if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation or a hoarse voice. If you're receiving hormone therapy for hypothyroidism, schedule follow-up visits as often as your doctor recommends. Initially, it's important to make sure you're receiving the correct dose of medicine.
And over time, the dose you need may change. When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple.
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland — triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 — have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism.
These hormones also influence the control of vital functions, such as body temperature and heart rate. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including:. Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues.
Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland. Scientists aren't sure why this happens, but it's likely a combination of factors, such as your genes and an environmental trigger. However it happens, these antibodies affect the thyroid's ability to produce hormones. This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.
A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body. If you have signs or symptoms of myxedema, you need immediate emergency medical treatment. Birth defects. Babies born to women with untreated thyroid disease may have a higher risk of birth defects compared to babies born to healthy mothers.
0コメント