What is hypothyroidism?

Underactive thyroid: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid gland (in the front of the neck) that is under active and producing less hormones than normal. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed primarily on blood tests. Symptoms can be misleading.

Under active thyroid: The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the front of the neck that makes hormones that regulate metabolism. When it does not make a normal amount, things slow down. Patients feel tired, cold, constipated. They can have swelling in the legs and face, dry skin, a slow heart rate. It is easily treated with a pill taken once a day called levothyroxine.

Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid gland controls your metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism means low thyroid functioning & is very common & often underdiagnosed. Labs: tsh, free t3, (liothyronine) free t4, total t3&t4, tpo ab. Low thyroid symptoms include-high cholesterol, constipation, fatigue, wieght gain, depression, leg swelling. High cortisol, insulin, estrogen all depress thyroid function. Autoimmune problems can affect thyroid.

Low Function Thyroid: Hypothyroidism means your thyroid is either not produing enough or somethimes any of the hormones needed for basic functioning. It controls metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and most normaly functions of homeostasis and even controls some of your other glands production of hormones. It can be life-threatening if not treated. Medication will correct the problems.

Take replacement: Of thyroxine prescribed by your doctor.

Hypothyroid: If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism surely your doctor has prescribed thyroid hormone replacement. This is available as brand name or generic. Some doctors prescribe only T4 thyroid hormone, others prescribe that and T3 (liothyronine) thyroid. My personal preference is T4 only. Take it at least one hour after a meal and preferably at bedtime.