When Treating Hypothyroidism Symptoms Tampa Physicians Prescribe Synthetic Hormones

By Chasity Sheppard


The incidents of hypothyroidism symptoms Tampa doctors see are similar to the number in other cities of that size. There are a high number of individuals afflicted with this condition. In addition to those being treated, a number of cases are never reported.

There is a hormone produced in the body and when the thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH, is not produced in sufficient amounts, it causes this serious condition. That is not the only possible cause. Some individuals who have a mild case in conjunction with the lower TSH level, may not know they have it.

There are a high number of symptoms. They range from fatigue, weakness, weight gain or loss, coarse hair, dry skin to hair loss. The person will often complain of feeling cold, being constipated and being depressed.

In the more severe cases slowed speech, irritability and memory loss will occur. Not every patient will have all the symptoms, but at least several must be present for each case. The most successful outcome happens with early treatment.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is another cause. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the patients own body causes the disease. In the United States over ten million people have the hypothyroid deficiency. More women than men suffer from it. For each man afflicted, there are ten women with the disorder.

Another cause is congenital thyroid agenesis, which means the individual is born without a thyroid. Medications can be the cause and a tumor on the thyroid still another. Basically, hypothyroidism is concomitant with a lack of thyroid hormones.

The treatment consists of thyroid hormone medication in the form of a synthetic replacement. Regular monitoring of the blood is required to maintain the correct levels by adjusting the amount of medication when necessary. The treatment is known to be successful in the preponderance of cases.

In some cases the thyroid gland begins to function normally again. However, usually a person must be treated for the rest of his or her life. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor the hormone level.

If an insufficient amount of medicine is prescribed, the above mentioned symptoms may grow worse. If too much is prescribed, the individual may suffer from constipation, become nervous and have insomnia. If the hormone level is extremely low before the person is found to have hypothyroidism a serious condition can result. It is myxedema coma, which is extremely rare, but can be fatal when it occurs.

The synthetic hormone has no reported side effects and works well. All other medication and some foods must be explored to make certain they do not prevent the body from absorbing the hormone. Calcium, iron and a substance found in antacids, aluminum hydroxide, are some things that can interfere with absorption. Others are high-fiber foods and soy.

When a woman with this condition becomes pregnant, monitoring of TSH levels is crucial. Without proper levels the fetus can be harmed. In most instances, the amount of synthetic TSH will have to be increased. By watching the hypothyroidism symptoms Tampa physicians can maintain the correct level and make certain the adequate amount of medication is prescribed.




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