Primary Hypothyroidism: A Complete Guide Before Arriving At A Treatment

Being a condition which results from another thyroid disorder, primary hypothyroidism could turn out to worse when not dealt with immediately.  Pertinent facts you need to know come from a complete guide.  This would include the causes, symptoms, exams and tests and treatments of the disease.

Causes

The most common cause of primary hypothyroidism is the insufficient supply of iodine in the thyroid.  It can also be caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that damages your thyroid gland.  The other causes of this type of thyroid disorder include:

1. Surgical removal.  If one part of your thyroid gland has been removed, it can result to primary hypothyroidism. 
2. Radioactive iodine.  This is used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism which leads to this kind of thyroid disorder.
3. Radiation exposure.  When your neck has been exposed to a lot of radiation, the tendency is you acquire this disease.
4. Lithium drugs and x-rays.  These things may also cause primary hypothyroidism.

Symptoms

The early symptoms you will experience due to this type of thyroid disorder could include any of the following manifestations: 

1. Susceptibility to cold.
2. Difficulty in bowel movement.
3. Feeling of depression most of the time.
4. Over-exhaustion and muscle and joint pain.
5. Paling of the skin and fingers easily broken.
6. Brittleness of the hair.
7. Feeling of weakness and weight gain problem.
8. Voice change.
9. Irregular menstrual periods.
10. Swelling of the face, hand and feet.
11. Affected sense of taste.
12. Thinning hair line.

Exams and Tests

If you are affected by primary hypothyroidism, you may submit yourself for a physical examination.  You may also be required to undergo a chest x-ray to determine if you have a heart disease, other than thyroid disorder.  Some forms of laboratory examinations may also be requested by your health provider. 

Your laboratory results may show some problems that can be associated to primary hypothyroidism.  These problems may indicate anemia.  It may also manifest signs of high cholesterol level, liver enzymes and serum prolactin, and low serum sodium.

Treatment

The primary aim of treating this type of thyroid disorder is to supplement the thyroid hormone that is not sufficient in form.  The most common medication that will be given to you is Levothyroxine (T4).  In some cases however, the combination of T4 thyroxine is administered for a more effective result.

The treatment that will be given to you will help in effectively addressing the symptoms you are experiencing due to this thyroid disorder.  It is very important that you should continue your intake even if the symptoms have disappeared.  This will help you prevent it from recurring.  Likewise, you may be able to seek light and filter any other diseases that may result from this occurrence.