Hypothyroidism is a condition that develops when the body of a person is not able to produce enough thyroid hormones. Thyroid basically is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that can be found on the front of the neck. This gland releases thyroid, a hormone that helps in regulating the functions of the body. The thyroid gland is responsible for providing energy to the majority of the organs. It controls a number of crucial functions, such as how the digestive system of a person works and how their heart beats. The natural functions of the body of a person ideally slow down in case there is not the right amount of thyroid hormone present there.
Here are some of the major symptoms of hypothyroidism:
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased sweating
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
- Dry and thinning hair
- Feeling cold
- Elevated blood cholesterol
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Impaired memory
- Muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness
People noticing the symptoms of hypothyroidism in themselves must visit a doctor for a check-up. The doctor may ask the person to go for a thyroid test.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be detected from various types of blood tests. Here are two of the most common types of thyroid blood tests:
- TSH Test: TSH or a thyroid-stimulating hormone is a type of blood test that tends to measure the amount of thyroxine (T4) that the thyroid gland is signalled to make in the body. In case it is found that people have an abnormally high level of TSH, it might indicate that they are suffering from hypothyroidism.
- T4 (thyroxine) Test: The Free T4 as well as the free T4 index are two distinct types of blood tests which, in combination with a TSH test, can let the physician know how the thyroid gland of the patient is functioning.
In addition to thyroid function tests, there are many other elements involved in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. These elements include a thorough review of the personal medical records of their patients and their immediate family, findings on physical examination, as well as an assessment of any risk factors.
