Safety Tip - Hypothyroidism‏

HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is the disease state in humans and in animals caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

CAUSES

• Iodine Deficiency


• Diseases such as Hashimoto thyroiditis


• Lack of thyroid gland


• Deficiency of hormones from the brain

Early symptoms

· Poor muscle tone

· Fatigue

· Cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold

· Depression

· Muscle cramps and joint pain

· Goiter

· Thin, brittle fingernails

· Thin, brittle hair

· Paleness

· Decreased sweating

· Dry, itchy skin

· Weight gain

· Bradycardia (low heart rate – less than sixty beats per minute)

· Constipation

 

LATE SYMPTOMS

· Slow speech and a hoarse breaking voice – deepening of the voice can also be noticed

· Dry puffy skin, especially on the face

· Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe)

· Abnormal menstrual cycles

· Low basal body temperature

 

TREATMENT

· Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormones (L-T₄) and (L-T₃) available in the form of tablets.

· Thyroid hormone is taken daily, and doctors can monitor blood levels to help assure proper dosing.