Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid ceases to function or produces too little hormone. Thyroid hormones help to regulate the bodies metabolism.
Persons Affected
A non-working thyroid can affect all ages and individuals. However, statistically women 50 years of age and older are the most susceptible to the condition.
Initial Symptoms
The thyroid does not cease to function all at once, it happens slowly over time. Because hypothyroidism progresses slowly, there are often few if any initial symptoms until most thyroid function has been lost.
First Symptoms
The first symptoms that persons suffering from inactive thyroid notice are tiredness and fatigue. Unlike regular fatigue, this tiredness will persist regardless of how much sleep a person gets.
Primary Symptom: Weight Gain
Another symptom of inactive thyroid is weight gain. Persons with a non-working thyroid gland will gain weight suddenly, regardless of diet or exercise routines. Measures to lose weight will often prove ineffective and weight gain may continue despite these efforts.
Other Symptoms
In addition to weight gain and tiredness persons suffering from an inactive thyroid will experience stiffness and soreness of the joints, water retention, increased cholesterol levels, and difficulty having bowel movements.
Treatment
Treatment for a non-working thyroid involves medications designed to mimic the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The most common medication used to treat an inactive thyroid is the drug called Levothyroxine.
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