The thyroid gland is an important organ that regulates metabolism. The thyroid gland makes two forms of thyroid hormone – thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is not producing enough of these hormones. Primary hypothyroidism affects the whole body and may cause a variety of symptoms.
Having too little thyroid hormone can affect the whole body. The body's normal rate of functioning slows, causing mental and physical sluggishness. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe.
Symptoms are different for each person. They are usually hard to notice and start slowly. They may be mistaken for symptoms of depression.
Here are the most common symptoms and signs:
At the UCLA Endocrine Center, you will meet with an endocrinologist who will ask about your past health and perform a comprehensive physical exam.
Blood tests can help diagnose hypothyroidism. Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. This means your immune system starts to attack itself. It makes antibodies against the thyroid gland. The normal thyroid cells are overrun by white blood cells and scar tissue. Sometimes hypothyroidism occurs after treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. That may include radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Hypothyroidism may also develop shortly after pregnancy.
A condition called secondary hypothyroidism can also sometimes happen. It’s when your pituitary gland stops working. The pituitary gland then no longer tells the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a type of inflammation of the thyroid gland that results from an autoimmune process. It is the most common cause of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism in the U.S. However, some individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis may never develop hypothyroidism and thus never have any symptoms.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
The goal of treatment is to return your level of thyroid hormone back to normal. You may need to take medicine that gives you a dose of thyroid hormones. This dose may need to be changed over time. You will likely need to take this medicine for the rest of your life. You will need follow-up blood tests to make sure you are taking the correct dose of thyroid hormone replacement.
Contact us for more information or to request an appointment.
Stephanie Smooke Praw, MD
Endocrinologist
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