$Unique_ID{BRK01653}
$Pretitle{Endocrine Glands and Metabolism}
$Title{What Happens When the Thyroid Doesn't Work Hard Enough?}
$Subject{thyroid hypothyroidism}
$Volume{C-22}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Happens When the Thyroid Doesn't Work Hard Enough?


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QUESTION:  I know there is a conditon called "overactive thyroid". However I
want to know about a situation where the thyroid doesn't work hard enough.
Can you please explain what happens and what treatments exist to correct the
problem?

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ANSWER:  The thyroid gland is one of the organs in the body that causes
problems if it works too hard (hyperthyroidism) or if it doesn't work hard
enough (hypothyroidism).  This gland, located around the windpipe in the neck,
controls much of the body's physical and chemical balance by creating several
hormones, primarily thyroxine, which regulates the release of energy in the
body.
     Hypothyroidism is often caused by an autoimmune reaction of the body; in
other words, the body mistakenly starts to destroy the thyroid.  Some cases of
hypothyroidism are caused by an underactive pituitary gland, which partially
controls the thyroid gland.  The usual symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry
skin, lethargy, weight gain, physical weakness, intolerance to cold, memory
loss and hair loss, but a person can be hypothyroid without these symptoms.
     To determine whether you are hypothyroid, your physician can take some of
your blood and use it to test for a number of chemicals and hormones that
affect the thyroid.  This will help to pin point the exact cause for a thyroid
that is not doing its job.  Since there are quite a few possibilities, this is
an important step in seaking a correct diagnosis.
     Hypothyroidism may be treated by prescribing one of a number of synthetic
versions of thyroxine, or animal thyroid extracts.  The choice of medication
will depend upon the diagnosis that the laboratory tests have helped to make.
After a few months of taking these medications, your physician will check your
blood again to see if your test results are now in a normal range.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
