Above all else...
Hypothyroidism is a medical reason, like PCOS, that people gain weight that is completely unrelated to diet or lifestyle. Please use this thread to discuss hypothyroidism, how it affects your life, etc. smile
From the Mayo Clinic we get the following info:
From the Mayo Clinic we get the following info:
Definition
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones. Hypothyroidism upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.
Symptoms
Hypothyroidism symptom may include:
* Fatigue
* Sluggishness
* Increased sensitivity to cold
* Constipation
* Pale, dry skin
* A puffy face
* Hoarse voice
* An elevated blood cholesterol level
* Unexplained weight gain
* Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
* Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
* Muscle weakness
* Heavier than normal menstrual periods
* Brittle fingernails and hair
* Depression
When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow or you may feel depressed.
In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience:
* Poor growth, resulting in short stature
* Delayed development of permanent teeth
* Delayed puberty
* Poor mental development
* Fatigue
* Sluggishness
* Increased sensitivity to cold
* Constipation
* Pale, dry skin
* A puffy face
* Hoarse voice
* An elevated blood cholesterol level
* Unexplained weight gain
* Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
* Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
* Muscle weakness
* Heavier than normal menstrual periods
* Brittle fingernails and hair
* Depression
When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow or you may feel depressed.
In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience:
* Poor growth, resulting in short stature
* Delayed development of permanent teeth
* Delayed puberty
* Poor mental development
Their causes section is too large to quote but a short summery is as follows:
Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis). This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism. People who produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) are often treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications to reduce and normalize their thyroid function.
Radiation therapy
Thyroid surgery
Medications
may you know joy
