An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of certain hormones. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothyroidism is most common among women over the age of 50, though anyone can develop the condition at any age. The symptoms are detectable once you have had the disorder for a while. You need to obtain proper diagnosis from your doctor before starting any treatment.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Notice whether you may have symptoms of hypothyroidism. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms are excessive fatigue, depression, sudden weight gain, increased appetite, dry skin, dry hair, brittle nails, muscle weakness, stiff joints, heavy menstrual periods in women and cold temperature sensitivity.
2. Take your temperature for three days in a row to determine your average temperature. According to allonhealth.com, consecutive readings below 97.8 degrees Fahrenheit may indicate an underactive thyroid.
3. Ask your doctor for a diagnosis. He may refer you to an endocrinologist, a physician who specializes in endocrine glands like the thyroid. Know your family medical history. Thyroid disorders and other autoimmune disorders tend to run in families.
4. Your doctor will probably order a blood test. A blood test for hypothyroidism checks TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones. Usually a blood test for a hypothyroid patient shows a high TSH level and low T3 and T4 levels.
5. An ultrasound can rule out cancer of the thyroid and may also reveal the presence of nodules, which are fluid-filled cysts that can be associated with hypothyroidism. Thyroid nodules are most often benign, or noncancerous.
6. If you have hypothyroidism, the physician will probably prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement drug such as Synthroid or Levothyroid. The dosage depends upon the blood test results. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms should start to subside within two weeks. Hormone replacement needs to be taken for life.
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