Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States (Haggerty, 1999). Symptoms often do not become evident until long after the thyroid is no longer functioning, and these symptoms may be attributed to other illnesses. Hypothyroidism is caused by a thyroid gland which fails to produce or secrete as much thyroxine (T4) as the body needs. T4 is the hormone that regulates several body functions such as heart rate, digestion, physical growth and mental development. A deficiency in T4 slows down these life-sustaining procedures and causes damages to organs and tissues all over the body. It alters weight, appetite, sleep patterns, body temperature, sex drive and other physical, mental and emotional characteristics. Hypothyroidism is usually caused by a form of thyroiditis, a condition that affects about 12 million people in the United States.

There are three major types of hypothyroidism (Haggerty, 1999). Primary hypothyroidism is the most common, and occurs when the thyroid does not release enough T4. Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the hormone which induces the thyroid to produce T4. Tertiary hypothyroidism is the result of a malfunction of the hypothalamus that controls the endocrine system.

Hypothyroidism is twice as common in women as in men and occurs primarily in middle-aged or older women, but can occur at any age (Haggerty, 1999). Conge

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oiditis, but has no symptoms or signs of thyroid inflammation (Health Guides, 2001). The patient is hyperthyroid and may have the same symptoms as someone with Graves' disease. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs often in women with a past history of thyroid disease. It resembles Hashimoto's disease except that the thyroid gland tends to recover and thyroid hormone treatment is only needed for a short time. However, recurrences are common. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by radiation such as that used to treat hyperthyroidism; removal of the thyroid gland for cancer or other thyroid disorders; viruses and bacteria which depress thyroid hormone production; medications such as nitroprusside, lithium or iodides; malfunction of the pituitary gland; congenital defects; environmental contaminants such as PCBs; and iodine deficiency in the diet. Patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are usually young or middle-aged women (Health Guides, 2001). There is evidence of a genetic predisposition for the development of Hashimoto's disease and it is not uncommon for persons with Hashimoto's disease to have other coinciding autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto's, 2001). Approximately 25 percent of Hashimoto's patients also develop pernicious

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