Activity 6

WHAT IS
HYPOTHYROIDISM?
Is a condition where the thyroid gland does not create enough of a thyroid
hormone called thyroxine. Thyroid hormones regulate the way in which the body
uses energy - metabolism - and without enough thyroxine many of the body's
functions slow down.

FAST FACTS ON HYPOTHYROIDISM
Here are some key points about hypothyroidism. More detail and supporting
information is in the main article.
• The thyroid gland produces two thyroid hormones.
• These hormones regulate the body's metabolism.
• The thyroid gland is stimulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary
gland.
• Hypothyroiditis can occur if the thyroid gland does not function correctly,
or if it is not stimulated properly.
• The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US is Hashimoto's
disease.
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance and joint and
muscle pain.
• Pregnant women are more susceptible to hypothyroiditis as the body needs
more thyroid hormones during pregnancy.
• Hypothyroiditis is usually diagnosed by physical examination followed by a
blood test.
• Hypothyroiditis can be treated with a medicine called synthetic thyroxine.
Fast facts on hypothyroidism
• Hypothyroiditis can be controlled well with lifelong medication.

Here are some key points about hypothyroidism. More detail and supporting
information is in the main article.
• The thyroid gland produces two thyroid hormones.
• These hormones regulate the body's metabolism.
• The thyroid gland is stimulated by the hypothalamus and the pituitary
gland.
• Hypothyroiditis can occur if the thyroid gland does not function
correctly, or if it is not stimulated properly.
• The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US is Hashimoto's
disease.
• Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance and
joint and muscle pain.
• Pregnant women are more susceptible to hypothyroiditis as the body
needs more thyroid hormones during pregnancy.
• Hypothyroiditis is usually diagnosed by physical examination followed
by a blood test.
• Hypothyroiditis can be treated with a medicine called synthetic
thyroxine.
• Hypothyroiditis can be controlled well with lifelong medication.

Prevention
You can't prevent hypothyroidism, you can watch for signs of the disease so it
can be treated promptly. Some people who are at high risk for having
hypothyroidism but do not have symptoms can be tested to see whether they have
mild, or subclinical, hypothyroidism.
Expert groups differ in their recommendations for screening. For example:
The American Thyroid Association recommends that all adults be tested
beginning at age 35 and continuing every 5 years.3 Older adults, especially
women older than 60, those with a family history of hypothyroidism, and
those who have Addison's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia,
or type 1 diabetes should also be tested, according to these
recommendations.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes no recommendation for or
against thyroid screening for people who do not have symptoms of
hypothyroidism. The USPSTF states there is not enough evidence to
support screening.
Another panel of experts from several medical specialties recommends
against widespread screening.6 but these health professionals say that if
you are high risk, you may want to be screened. Those at high risk include
women older than age 60 and people who have type 1 diabetes or other
autoimmune diseases.6 Talk to your doctor about whether you should be
screened.

HYPERTHYROIDISM AND PREGNANCY.
Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can lead to
Congestive heart failure.
Preeclampsia—a dangerous rise in blood pressure in late pregnancy.
Thyroid storm—a sudden, severe worsening of symptoms.
Miscarriage.
Premature birth.
Low birth weight.

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