Hypothyroidism Support Group

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough of two main thyroid hormones, called thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones regulates metabolism, which is responsible for essential body activities such as the processing of fats and carbohydrates, and the regulation of body temperature and heart rate. The hormones are produced by the thyroid gland, located just below the Adam's apple at the base of the neck. Help for hypothyroidism is readily available, and usually requires a daily dose of an inexpensive medication.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

There are a handful of main causes, which are (1) Hashimoto's Disease, in which the immune system produces antibodies that hinder the thyroid gland's production of hormones, (2) radiation therapy for cancer of the head and neck, which may lead to a reduction thyroid hormones production, (3) thyroid removal, usually because of cancer, which halts hormone production, (4) medications, such as lithium for psychiatric disorders, which can reduce thyroid hormone production, (5) congenital disease, which is rare --- about one in 3,000 babies in the US is born with a missing or poorly working thyroid gland, (6) treatment for hyperthyroidism (treatment for an overactive thyroid can sometimes reduce production by too much), and (5) pregnancy (hypothyroidism can develop during or after pregnancy because pregnancy can cause the production thyroid gland antibodies.

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The usual treatment for hypothyroidism is daily dose of a synthetic thyroid hormone in pill form. The generic name for the hormone is levothyroxine, and brand names can include Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid. Treatment with levothyroxine continues for a person's lifetime, and physicians typically do blood test to check the levels of thyroid hormone regularly.

In the case of pregnancy-related hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement may be prescribed to reduce the risk of premature delivery or other complications.

Hypothyroidism Resources and Support

DailyStrength's online support group for hypothyroidism provides a means to chat with others who are coping with hypothyroidism. You can also read treatment reviews from other everyday people, post your own experiences in your wellness journal, set goals for yourself, and help your DailyStrength friends stick to theirs.

Here are some other helpful resources about hypothyroidism:

• An overview video by Dr. Jay Cohen
• New York Thyroid Center's hypothyroidism overview page
• Michigan Department of Community Health's overview of congenital hypothyroidism (pdf document)