Hypothyroidism is a disease in human caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a gland shaped like a butterfly usually found in the front of your neck. It produces hormones that control the way your body uses energy.According to the medical journal, about 4 percent of Americans suffer from Hypothyroidism.
Even though only a small percentage of the population is affected, it is advisable to begin treatment early once it is diagnosed. If you have a very low level of thyroid hormone, it can affects your whole body function. It can make you become weak and tired. If hypothyroidism is not treated early, it will invariably raise the levels of your cholesterol and make you more likely to suffer from a sudden stroke or heart attack.
One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism occurs as a result of the malfunction of the body’s natural defense system (immune system), this causes it to produce antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. The result is that the gland can no longer make enough thyroid hormone. Other causes of low levels of thyroid hormone include surgery or radiation therapy for cancer treatment. Some drugs like lithium can also cause it.
It is very dangerous to pregnant women during pregnancy, if left untreated, hypothyroidism can harm your baby. People of any age can suffer from hypothyroidism disease, however older adults are more likely to get it. The risk is particularly high for older women between age 60 and older. Hypothyroidism is a hereditary disease, you are more likely to get the disease if it runs in your family. The good news however is, hypothyroidism is easy to treat.
If properly diagnosed, doctors normally prescribe thyroid hormone pills to treat hypothyroidism. Most people will begin to feel better within days or weeks. You will notice that the symptoms will start dissipating, however, you may likely need to keep taking the pills for the rest of your life.
