All About Hypothyroidism

 

       Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone for the process of metabolism. The thyroid gland regulates how our body uses energy through two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) (McIntosh, 2014). The production of these thyroid hormones are controlled by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which is made by the pituitary gland and then regulated by the hypothalamus. The low levels of thyroid hormone production interferes with your body’s ability  to perform normal metabolic functions such as effectively using the energy we obtain from food consumption,  regulations of many chemical reactions that occur in our bodies and the maintenance of healthy cells, bones and muscles as well as weight, body temperature, cholesterol levels and menstrual cycles (Lights & Solan, 2012).  Hypothyroidism is mostly seen in woman over the ages of 60 due to nutritional deficiencies/imbalances and other factors like environmental toxins and stress experienced during this age range (Haiken, 2008). Hypothyroidism can be easily diagnosed and treated during the early stages but there is no known prevention, so once you have it, you have it for life.  

 

Types of Hypothyroidism

 

• Primary Hypothyroidism - Primary hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by the failure of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient thyroid hormones

 

• Secondary Hypothyroidism – Referred to as central hypothyroidism.  The cause of secondary hypothyroidism lies in the pituitary gland. Secondary hypothyroidism characterized by the failure to secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

 

• Tertiary Hypothyroidism – Referred to as central hypothyroidism. Tertiary hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency in the hypothalamus, which fails to control the pituitary gland through the secretion.