March is Hypothyroidism Month in Canada
There are many types of Thyroid Disease. To bring attention to the different disorders, we plan to feature a different Thyroid topic each month. For the month of March we are focusing on Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder and most other thyroid disorders usually result in Hypothyroidism.
CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that results in inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Treatment of Graves’ hyperthyroidism
- Congenital hypothyroidism, individuals born without a thyroid gland or a poorly functioning one
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland as a treatment for thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism
DIAGNOSIS
- Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on your symptoms and the results of blood tests that measure the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and sometimes the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. A low level of thyroxine and high level of TSH indicate an underactive thyroid.
- If the TSH levels are elevated, you might also be tested for “free” thyroid hormones (called “free t4”) in the blood.
Read more about Hypothyroidism:
- Information on Thyroid Disease – Hypothyroidism
- Medications for Hypothyroidism and Interactions
- Improvements in Diagnosis and Treatment: TSH Assay Test
Videos on Hypothyroidism:
- Hypothyroidism and Thyroid Replacement Therapy, Webinar February 2022
- Mary’s Thyroid Journey – A Hypothyroid Patient Story in 3 Parts
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- weak slow heart beat
- muscular weakness and constant fatigue
- sensitivity to cold
- thick puffy skin and/or dry skin
- slowed mental processes and poor memory
- constipation
- goitre (increased size of the thyroid)
TREATMENT
- Levothyroxine is a synthetic manufactured form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Synthroid or Eltroxin are the two types of pills in Canada. The pills are taken daily to bring the thyroid hormone levels back to normal.
- Desiccated thyroid, also known as thyroid extract, is animal thyroid gland that has been dried and powdered for medical use. In Canada the product is called “Thyroid”. It is generally less consistent than the synthetic medication.
Coming soon – Rethinking Hypothyroidism
A webinar featuring Dr. Antonio C. Bianco – April 2023
Dr. Bianco is a professor of medicine and a member of the Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition at the University of Chicago, where he runs a laboratory funded by the National Institutes of Health to study thyroid hormones. Registration details will be provided soon.