Hypothyroidism
- Serving North Mississippi since 1996
- Comprehensive Services including In-House Lab & Imaging Services
- Serving North Mississippi since 1996
- Comprehensive Services including In-House Lab & Imaging Services
What Is Hypothyroidism?
What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
- Pervasive fatigue
- Puffy face
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Forgetfulness
- Sore muscles
- Difficulty with learning
- Weight gain and fluid retention
- Dry, brittle hair and nails
- Heavy and/or irregular menstrual flow
- Dry, itchy skin
- Increased frequency of miscarriages
- Increased sensitivity to many medications
What Are the Causes of Hypothyroidism?
How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
Characteristic symptoms and physical signs, which can be detected by a physician, can signal hypothyroidism. However, the condition may develop so slowly that many patients do not realize that their body has changed, so it is critically important to perform diagnostic laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the cause of hypothyroidism.
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone or thyrotropin) test
An increased TSH level in the blood is the most accurate indicator of primary (non-pituitary) hypothyroidism. Production of this pituitary hormone is increased when the thyroid gland even slightly underproduces thyroid hormone.
Other Tests
- Free T4 (thyroxine)—the active thyroid hormone in the blood. It is important to note that there is a range of free T4 levels in the blood of normal people, similar to the range for height, and that a value of free T4 that is "within normal limits" for the general population may not be appropriate for a particular individual.
- Thyroid autoantibodies--indicates the likelihood of autoimmune thyroiditis being the cause of hypothyroidism.

A primary care physician may make the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, but assistance is often needed from an endocrinologist, a physician who is a specialist in thyroid diseases.
How Is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Hypothyroidism is treated with a single daily dose of levothyroxine, given as a table. An experienced physician can prescribe the correct form and dosage to return the thyroid balance to normal.
Older patients who may have underlying heart disease are usually started at a low dose and gradually increased while younger healthy patients can be started on full replacement doses at once. Thyroid hormone acts very slowly in the body, so it may take several months after treatment begins to notice improvement in symptoms.
Since most cases of hypothyroidism are permanent and often progressive it is necessary to treat this condition throughout one's lifetime. Periodic monitoring of TSH levels and clinical status are necessary to ensure that the proper dose is being given, since medication doses may have to be adjusted from time to time.
Optimal adjustment of thyroid hormone dosage is critical, since the body is very sensitive to even small changes in thyroid hormone levels. The tablets come in over 10 different strengths, and it is essential to take them in a consistent manner every day.
A dose of thyroid hormone that is too low may fail to prevent enlargement of the thyroid gland, allow symptoms of hypothyroidism to persist, and be associated with increased serum cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease. A dose that is too high can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism. create excessive strain on the heart, and lead to an increased risk of developing osteoporosis.
It is extremely important that women planning to become pregnant are kept well adjusted, since hypothyroidism can affect the development of the baby. During pregnancy, thyroid hormone replacement requirements often change, so more frequent monitoring is necessary. Various medications and supplements (particularly iron) may affect the absorption of thyroid hormone; therefore, the levels need more frequent monitoring during illness or change in medication.
Thyroid hormone is critical for normal brain development in babies. Infants requiring thyroid hormone therapy should NOT be treated with liquid suspensions, since the active hormone deteriorates once dissolved and the baby could receive less thyroid hormone than necessary. Instead, infants with hypothyroidism, should receive their thyroid hormone by crushing a single tablet daily of the correct dose and suspending it in one teaspoon of liquid.
Appropriate management of hypothyroidism requires continued care by a physician experienced in the treatment of this condition. Call Endocrinology Consultants PLLC to find out more.
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