According to estimates, millions of Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Due to the wide variety of symptoms, some hypothyroid sufferers may never know they have the condition.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that is associated with a lowered metabolic rate. Since every cell in the body depends on thyroid hormones, a wide variety of symptoms can present itself. The overlap of symptoms of an under-active thyroid with that of other conditions, may make it hard to get a proper diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

• Itchy skin
• Increased sleepiness
• Sensitivity to cold temperatures - With an under-active thyroid, you become more sensitive to the cold
• Development of a goiter - An chronically overstimulated thyroid becomes enlarged and shows itself in the front of the neck
• Dry, brittle hair
• Muscle cramps and bone pain
• Lowered libido
• Difficulty concentrating - If you suddenly have a hard time focusing and concentrating while you didn't have that problem before, then a thyroid problem could be the cause
• Swollen hands and feet - This is due to water retention
• Fatigue - This symptom is associated with many different conditions, so not a critical factor for diagnosis
• Inability to lose weight - If your eating habits haven't changed much, but you start to gain weight

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Ordinarily, hypothyroidism was thought to develop due to low iodine levels in the body. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and the thyroid is the only tissue in the body that can absorb iodine. We receive the majority of our required iodine through iodized table salt.

Certain medications taken for other conditions, may interfere with thyroid functioning. Genetic factors may put you at risk for developing hypothyroidism. If certain family members have hypothyroidism, then you are at an increased risk of developing the condition yourself.

A temporary rise in thyroid activity followed by a low output of thyroid hormone is frequently associated with a thyroid inflammation, called thyroiditis. An auto-immune reaction is often the cause, whereby the immune system attacks the body's own tissue. This condition is frequently seen in post-partum women. The temporary rise in thyroid levels in the body due to the inflamed thyroid causes some weight loss. This hyperthyroidism usually corrects itself, but may also lead to chronic hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is often treated with medications first. Either synthetic thyroid hormone or hormone derived from animal tissue can in most cases restore normal thyroid function. For people with mild symptoms or who prefer not to take thyroid hormone, a thyroid supplement may be helpful for their condition. In addition, certain foods that interfere with normal thyroid functioning should be avoided. If you suspect that your symptoms are caused by hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor and figure out what your best treatment option is.

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