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Low thyroid information center

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	Frequently Asked Questions
	What is an underactive thyroid condition? What is an underactive thyroid condition? With an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), the thyroid gland (located in the front of the neck) fails to produce enough of a substance called thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is important for almost every function that the body performs. When thyroid hormone is too low, all body functions slow down; when it is too high, body functions speed up. An underactive thyroid is treated with a daily pill that replaces thyroid hormone.

	What are the causes of an underactive thyroid? What are the causes of an underactive thyroid? The most common cause of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a condition called Hashimoto's disease. With this condition, the body's immune cells think that the thyroid gland is a foreign object and attack it, causing swelling, scarring and eventual loss of ability to make enough thyroid hormone. No one knows the cause of Hashimoto's disease. Sometimes, an underactive thyroid condition can develop after treatment for an OVER-ACTIVE thyroid condition. Treatment of an over-active thyroid usually involves chemical, surgical, or radiation-based destruction of a portion of the thyroid gland. The amount of thyroid tissue destroyed can sometimes not be precisely controlled, which may result in not enough hormone being produced.

	What are the symptoms of an underactive thyroid? What are the symptoms of an underactive thyroid? "Hypothyroidism", or an underactive thyroid gland, can be difficult to diagnose since symptoms can be subtle, develop gradually, and are nonspecific (can mimic other conditions). Many people who even have advanced thyroid disease don't suspect that they have a health problem. The following are common symptoms of an underactive thyroid: Fatigue/lack of energy Fluid retention and weight gain Dry skin Feeling cold when other people feel comfortable Yellowing of the skin. Coarseness or loss of hair Swelling or bulging in the front of the neck (goiter) Poor balance Constipation Decreased concentration Memory problems Depression Irregular menstrual periods/heavy periods/infertility Muscle aches and pains High blood cholesterol Low heart rate Low body temperature Puffiness around the eyes, the backs of the hands and the tops of the feet Loss of the outer portion of the eyebrows (near the temples) Depression Shortness of breath Decreased sweating Dryness and coarseness of the skin Slow wound healing Easy bruising Dry, brittle hair that tends to fall out Slowed hair growth (haircuts and shaves required less often) Brittle slow-growing nails

	What abnormal laboratory tests can an underactive thyroid cause? What abnormal laboratory tests can an underactive thyroid cause? Because thyroid hormone affects so many of the body's functions, a large number of blood test results can be abnormally HIGH when the thyroid is underactive, including the following: CK (Creatine Kinase - a muscle test) Liver function blood tests including AST (Aspartate aminotransferase); LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase); SGOT; and SGPT Cholesterol (total cholesterol) LDL ("bad" cholesterol) Triglycerides (a type of blood "lipid" or fat) Calcium (slightly elevated) Uric acid Magnesium Prolactin And an increase in protein in the urine It can also cause LOW levels of: HDL ("good") cholesterol Hematocrit/red blood count/hemoglobin (anemia) Folate Alkaline phosphatase Vitamin B12 Salt ("hyponatremia") These tests should return to normal after the thyroid condition has been treated.

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NOTE: Just because a drug or combination of drugs can cause a symptom does not mean it is actually causing your symptom. Symptoms can be caused by medical conditions as well. Make sure that your physician is aware of any symptoms you are experiencing so he/she can work with you to determine the cause. Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health.

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