I just found out I have hypothyroid..?

Question

But... the doc never explained too much in detail what it is.. they always use those terms no one understands? anyone have this? anyone know about it? im a lil confused.

Answer 1

I'm a medico and I have seen some hypothyroid cases.

-As long as your thyroid releases the proper amounts of these hormones, your system functions normally. But sometimes your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, upsetting the balance of chemical reactions in your body. This condition is known as hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid disease.

-Women, especially those older than 50, are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men are. Hypothyroidism seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism are :

-Fatigue
-Weakness
-Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
-Coarse, dry hair
-Dry, rough pale skin
-Hair loss
-Cold intolerance (can't tolerate the cold like those around you)
-Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
-Constipation
-Depression
-Irritability
-Memory loss
-Abnormal menstrual cycles
-Decreased libido


....Dont worry buddy.
The good news is that accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism, and treatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple and effective once the proper dosage is established

Best of luck...!

Answer 2

Being hypothyroid myself, the best advice I can give you is to learn as much as you can about the condition. This is the only way you will become symptom free. Far too many doctors go by outdated lab values and don't even know that a TSH test should only be done in the morning.
I'll put a few great thyroid links below for you to read. If you want a good thyroid book, I suggest THyroid Power. It is written by a doctor and his wife (nurse) She is hypothyroid.

Answer 3

Hypothyroidism is easily treatable. But one thing many people do not realize is that treatment should be continued for the rest of your life unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop, because adding artificial hormone tends to suppress the normal function of the thyroid, not enhance it. Sometimes when they begin to feel better, people will decide they are "well" and stop their meds. Not a good idea!

A good test of thyroid function is taking a basal temperature in the morning before arising. Specific instructions for this can be found in the book listed below which I ran across in the public library years ago. I'm not sure if the book is still available, but if not, your doctor should be able to give you the information. Consistently having a below normal basal temperature is evidence of low thyroid.

Answer 4

The thyroid gland (and thus thyroid hormone) regulates your metabolic rate. When you are hypothyroid, you do not make enough of this. This can result in weight gain, feeling cold and other symptoms. The treatment is easy! Taking a synthetic thyroid pill every day to replace what your body is not making! Most people feel better fairly soon!

Good Luck!

Answer 5

It means your thyroid gland is producing less thyroxine, which is an iodine compound hormone involved in growth and development and metabolism.
Be careful of any such diagnosis. The tests are quite unreliable. Much can be done with a change of diet to include iodine rich foods.

Answer 6

It means your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones,thyroxine being the most important. This gland controls metabolism in the body so it is quite important. Your doctor should have put you on thyroid replacement therapy, perhaps prescribed levothyroxin.

Answer 7

hypothyroidism means you're thyroid gland functions slowly or is under-active. It can be balanced out with medication and proper diet

Answer 8

You have an underactive thyroid. Thyroid controls your metabolism primarily. A thyroid medication could raise your metabolism and restore your hormones to their normal level.

Answer 9

hypothyroidism. Your metabilism (ability to consume energy/calories) is slow because you don't produce enough hormones. Therefore you have a hard time using extra calories and losing wieght. If you like your current size be careful not consume extra calories. If your heavier than you would like to be see your doctor for medication to increase hormone production to normal so you can take healthly efforts to lose weight.

Answer 10

TAKE KELP TABLETS-----CAUSE IT'S A SHORTAGE OF IODINE------TOO MUCH SHORTAGE CAUSES A GOITER.........USE IODIZED SALT........EAT( OCEAN ) SEAFOOD......SEAWEED.....ALL CONTAIN IODINE.......YOU HAVE SOME THING THAT CAN HELP CAUSE OBESITY ALSO.....THE RESULT IS AN UNDER ACTIVE THYROID...