Hypothyroidism (patient information)
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What is hypothyroidism?
How do I know if I have hypothyroidism and what are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Who is at risk for hypothyroidism?
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Thyroiditis
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland
- Radiation therapy of the thyroid
- Some medications, such as amiodarone, propylthiouracil, methimazole and Lithium.
- Age over 50 years
- Female
How to know you have hypothyroidism?
- Laboratory tests of determination thyroid function, including serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 test.
- TSH test: This test is the most accurate measure of thyroid function. General speaking, a TSH reading above normal means a person has hypothyroidism and a reading below normal means a person has hyperthyroidism.
- T4 test: This test measures the actual amount of circulating thyroid hormone in the blood. In hypothyroidism, the level of T4 in the blood is lower than normal.
- Blood tests: In patients with congenital hypothyroidism, the tests may demonstrate anemia on a complete blood count, increased cholesterol levels, increased liver enzymes, increased prolactin and low sodium.
- X-ray test: A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart in patients with congenital hypothyroidism.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for hypothyroidism?
Directions to Hospitals Treating hypothyroidism
Prevention of hypothyroidism
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Copyleft Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000353.htm
http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hypothyroidism/
http://mayoclinic.com/print/hypothyroidism/AN00069/METHOD=print
http://www.thyroid.org/patients/patient_brochures/hypothyroidism.html