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By Kelly Blomquist


Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the gland does not produce enough of an essential hormone named thyroxine. This issue is one that will require attention for the rest of one's life in order to keep the symptoms under control. Partnering with a Dallas thyroid doctor can help an individual discover a maintenance approach that is most beneficial for their particular situation.

Millions of people have this very common condition though a larger percentage of them go undiagnosed. Hypothyroidism may develop in anyone regardless of age, gender or race, with it becoming more likely as one matures and women having a probability five times higher than men. The severe lack of the necessary hormone can cause body systems to respond more slowly.

Several things may incite the onset of this condition including a severe iodine deficiency and certain medications. The most common cause by far is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's disease. It causes high inflammation in the gland and prevents it from producing the necessary hormone in sufficient amounts.

One reason many people do not realize they have it is because the symptoms tend to be non-specific and are usually assumed to be part of something else. Examples of these are constipation, depression, cold intolerance, fatigue, muscle cramps, hair loss, dry skin, high cholesterol and swollen legs. The signs may become more pronounced and come with a noticeable lag in one's metabolism as the situation grows worse.

If there is suspicion that a person has hypothyroidism, their physician will conduct blood tests to confirm. These results can verify the existence of this condition but not the issue that is causing it. Reviewing the patient's complete clinical history, system scanning, antibody screening and MRI's are a few diagnostic means that might be utilized to determine the root cause.

The easiest and most efficient way to address the condition is with the specific hormone replacement therapy. This is a course of care that will continue throughout the patient's lifetime. Without the proper attention%2




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