If you’re struggling to lose weight or have trouble sleeping,  you could have an underlying condition: an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.

In a survey, between 0.1-2 percent of the U.S. population have hypothyroidism.  Some data says up to 12% of people will develop a thyroid condition in their life. Around 20 million Americans have some form of a thyroid disease.  With woman, it’s even more common to have a thyroid problem- five to eight times more likely.

Below, I will discuss some basics about hypothyroidism. Not everyone experiences the same thing from this thyroid disease. It’s best to talk to your doctor about your concerns to properly diagnose your issues.

When a person has hypothyroidism, his or her body doesn’t produce enough of thyroxine. This is a chemical produced by the thyroid gland, and it regulates cellular metabolism.  Right now in the United States, one common cause of this disorder is inflammation of the thyroid gland. A chronic attack of the thyroid cells by the immune system leaves a large number of cells in the thyroid damaged or even dead and incapable of producing sufficient active hormone.

Primary hypothyroidism is when there is an insufficient amount of thyroxine by the thyroid gland.  Most cases of hypothyroidism are primar. Secondary hypothyroidism is the result of a pituitary disorder.

Other causes of hypothyroidism are: iodine deficiency, thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, and medications like lithium.

This disorder presents itself in a variety of different ways in people ranging from little to no symptoms to severe cases that lead to comas and organ failure. Symptoms develop slowly over many years. If hypothyroidism isn’t untreated, symptoms can worsen. Physical changes that can occur include having a puffy face, thinning eyebrows, hoarseness, thickened skin, and trouble with tasting and smelling and slow reflexes.

Common symptoms include: fatigue, memory problems, hair loss, infertility, depression, constipation, high cholesterol, weight gain, dry hair, infertility, changes in the menstrual cycle, dry hair, weakness, and dry skin.

Doctors test the blood for the thyroid function and the stimulation hormone for thyroid to see if a person has hypothyroidism. Metabolism, which is the main function of the thyroid hormone, can be measured by quantifying the amount of expired carbon dioxide a person produces over time.  Dr. Kordonowy uses a machine called the Metabolic ReeVue to measure this. The treatment required is taking oral thyroid hormone replacement. The usual treatment includes daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

For most people, treatment successfully relieves this disorder’s systems.  Oral medication restores hormone levels to reverse symptoms of hypothyroidism. Blood testing is required to determine the correct dose for each individual patient.  Patients start to notice differences after one to two weeks . Treatment is usually lifelong.

If you are experiencing symptoms of this disorder, contact Dr. Kordonowy of Internal Medicine, Lipid & Wellness of Fort Myers. His office offers dietary consults and can test for hypothyroidism. To book an appointment, call 239-362-3005, Ext. 200 or click here.