Hypothyroidism

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Why is the thyroid important?

• part of the endocrine system
• creates hormones that control the way cells use energy (metabolism)

What does the thyroid do?

• only cells in the body that absorb iodine
• uses iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4
• T3 and T4 control the body's metabolism
• when T3 and T4 drop too low, the pituitary gland releases TSH

symptoms of hypothyroidism

• sensitivity to cold
• fatigue (brain fog)
• muscle/joint pain
• grey or dry/flaky skin
• thinning hair/eyebrows

symptoms of hypothyroidism

• weight gain (10-15 pounds)
• loss of appetite
• irregular menstrual periods
• depression

How is hypothyroidism treated?

• diagnosed with simple blood test
• patients generally prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine)
• some patients prefer Armour (natural, pig-derived)
• not curable, though thyroid function may improve
• only stop meds under supervision of your doctor

Wisse, B., Sieve, D. (2014, May). Hypothyroidism. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000353.htm

American Thyroid Association. (2012). Hypothyroidism [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypo_brochure....

Endocrine Web. (2012). How Your Thyroid Works. Retrieved from http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works