Learn More About Hypothyroidism
Do you feel more tired than usual? Are you struggling to lose weight? It’s possible that you may have hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid isn’t making enough thyroid hormones. The experienced medical team at Beach Physicians Medical Group in Huntington Beach, California, can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide the most effective treatment if you do have hypothyroidism. For an evaluation, call the office to book an appointment today.
HYPOTHYROIDISM Q&A
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Your thyroid is a small gland found in your neck that produces hormones to regulate many important bodily processes, including your metabolism, heartbeat, and digestion.
If your thyroid hormone levels are lower than normal, you may experience a number of symptoms. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Difficulty losing weight
- Unexpected weight gain
- Puffy face
- Sensitivity to cold
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Impaired memory
- You may also develop a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the team at Beach Physicians Medical Group can conduct an evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Your specialist runs a simple blood test to determine if your thyroid hormone levels are low.
You may develop hypothyroidism from many different causes. Some of the most common causes include:
Autoimmune disorder
An autoimmune disorder refers to a condition in which your body’s immune system attacks the gland and destroys it. This condition is referred to as Hashimoto’s disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Medications
Certain medications may also lead to hypothyroidism, such as regular use of lithium, which is a psychiatric medication.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy for head or neck cancer can affect how your thyroid functions and may lead to hypothyroidism.
You can also develop hypothyroidism from treatment for hyperthyroidism, which is a condition in which your gland overproduces thyroid hormones. Although less common, women can develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy, or you may develop the hormonal shift if you’re not getting enough iodine in your diet.
Hypothyroidism is treated with regular use of synthetic thyroid hormone medication. These medications restore hormone balance and resolve your symptoms. It may take some trial and error to find the right dosage of medication, but your specialist at Beach Physicians Medical Group works closely with you to find the dose that makes you feel more like your usual self.
For expert care of all your health needs, including hypothyroidism, call Beach Physicians Medical Group today.
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