Hypothyroidism
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto Disease) is when the immune system attacks the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck (thyroid).
With Hypothyroidism, the thyroid is underactive, making the body’s thyroid hormone levels low. The body slows down, patients may feel colder and fatigued, and skin may become drier. Forgetfulness, depression, and constipation will also occur.
Primary causes for Hypothyroidism include autoimmune diseases, surgical removal of all (or parts) of the thyroid gland, radiation treatment, congenital hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, medicines, imbalances of iodine, pituitary gland damage, or rare disorders that affect the thyroid.
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Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue
- Coarse, dry hair
- Constipation
- Memory loss
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
- Weakness
- Dry, rough pale skin
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Irritability
- Decreased libido
- Cold intolerance (can’t tolerate cold temperatures)
Complications
The body is used to a certain amount of thyroid hormone, so the pituitary gland will make TSH (stimulating thyroid hormone) tempt the thyroid to create more hormones. Too much TSH can enlarge the thyroid. If left untreated, the disease will progress. Luckily, it is rare for hypothyroidism to be left unattended, but it can result in severe, life-threatening depression, heart failure, or coma.
Management
Aylo Health patients with Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease) are regulated by replacing the amount of hormone that the thyroid fails to produce. T4 Replacement will help to restore bodily functions and increase TSH levels. From there, the physician will monitor and adjust the dosage of synthetic thyroxine if need be.
Why choose Aylo to treat your Hypothyroidism?
Thyroid Biopsy
At Aylo Health, we perform Thyroid Biopsies, where your doctor will remove a tiny bit of your thyroid or nodule (lump) in-house to test in a lab. This procedure will either lead to “watchful waiting” (if benign) or surgery (if cancerous).
Nuclear Thyroid Scanning
Nuclear Thyroid Scanning is offered at Aylo Health and is used to evaluate the way your thyroid functions. This scan also uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose thyroid diseases.
More Thyroid conditions treated at Aylo
They have been amazing. They take the time and listen to you. When a patient feels like they’re being cared for and not a number it can make all the difference.
- Laura D. | Aylo Patient