What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland
A gland in your brain releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which signals the thyroid to produce hormones (T3 and T4). When the thyroid is not able to produce enough thyroid hormones to keep your body functioning properly, more TSH is released.
In most cases of hypothyroidism, there are high levels of TSH and low levels of T4. These levels may change throughout life so they should be monitored regularly.
In most cases of hypothyroidism, there are high levels of TSH and low levels of T4. These levels may change throughout life so they should be monitored regularly.
There are many symptoms
of hypothyroidism.
You may have one or more.
of hypothyroidism.
You may have one or more.
Thyroid diseases run in families
Fatigue
Dry skin
Feeling cold
Weight gain
Coarse hair / hair loss
Muscle aches
Depression
Difficulty concentrating
Brittle nails
Constipation
Hoarse voice
Puffiness of face / around eyes
Heavy periods
Infertility
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a simple blood test called a TSH test.
This test measures the amount of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone in your blood. When you suffer from hypothyroidism, your TSH will be high because your body can’t make enough of the thyroid hormones called T3 and T4. When your pituitary gland gets the signal that your body needs more thyroid hormones, it overproduces TSH in an attempt to stimulate your thyroid to release thyroid hormones.
Sometimes it’s necessary to test the amount of T4 in your blood and check for thyroid autoantibodies to confirm a diagnosis. If the thyroid appears to have an abnormal shape, a thyroid scan or ultrasound may be performed.
Sometimes it’s necessary to test the amount of T4 in your blood and check for thyroid autoantibodies to confirm a diagnosis. If the thyroid appears to have an abnormal shape, a thyroid scan or ultrasound may be performed.
Hypothyroidism can lead to serious consequences if not treated. If you’re concerned
about your thyroid, take note of the symptoms you’re experiencing and discuss them
with your doctor.
about your thyroid, take note of the symptoms you’re experiencing and discuss them
with your doctor.

Track your
symptoms here
Reference: Hypothyroidism: Understanding the disease and its symptoms. Available at www.thyroidsymptoms.ca. Accessed November 2016.