hypothyroidism, primary…

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primary, secondary hypothyroidism, thyroid gland, primary hypothyroidism, condition of decreased hormone production by the thyroid gland, thyroid gland, important organ that regulates metabolism, in the front, the neck just below the voicebox, larynx, thyroid gland secretes two forms of hormone, thyroxine, t4, triiodothyronine, t3, secretion of t3, t4 by the thyroid, controlled by a feedback system involving the pituitary gland, a small organ, the brain, hypothalamus, a structure, in the brain, hypothyroidism, inability, the thyroid gland to make t3, t4, primary hypothyroidism, worldwide, most common cause of primary hypothyroidism is deficiency, the element iodine, most common cause is destruction, the thyroid gland by the immune system, a condition, hashimoto's thyroiditis, primary hypothyroidism include surgical removal of part, the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine used, treatment of hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid, radiation exposure, neck, x-ray contrast agents, certain drugs lithium, cases the cause of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is regulated by the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, disorders of these organs, cause the thyroid gland to produce too little thyroid hormone, secondary hypothyroidism, primary hypothyroidism, a variety of symptoms, affects the whole body, its normal rate of functioning slows, causing mental, physical sluggishness, from mild to severe, most severe form, myxedema coma, medical emergency, risk factors, hypothyroidism include age, older than age 50, female gender, obesity, thyroid surgery, x-ray, radiation treatments, neck, early symptoms, weakness, fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, weight gain, depression, joint, muscle pain, thin, brittle fingernails, thin, brittle hair, paleness, late symptoms, slow speech, dry flaky skin, thickening, the skin, puffy face, hands, feet, decreased taste, smell, thinning of eyebrows, hoarseness, menstrual disorders, physical examination, reveal a smaller than normal gland, though sometimes the gland is normal in size, enlarged, goiter, physical findings include pale, yellow, dry skin, thin, brittle hair, loss, the edges, the eyebrows, coarse facial features, firm swelling, the arms, legs, slow muscle relaxation, reflexes, vital signs, reveal a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, low temperature, a chest x-ray sometimes reveals an enlarged heart, laboratory tests, thyroid function, free t4 test, total t3, free t3, serum tsh, additional laboratory abnormalities, increased cholesterol levels, increased liver enzymes, increased serum prolactin, low serum sodium, a complete blood count, cbc, anemia, purpose of treatment, replace the deficient thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, t4, commonly used medication, a preparation of t3 is also available, most people feel best, tsh is brought, 1 to 2 mciu/ml range, lowest dose effective in relieving symptoms, normalizing blood tests is given, life-long therapy is needed, relapses, occur, therapy is interrupted, medication must be continued, symptoms subside, after replacement therapy has begun, report any symptoms of increased thyroid activity, hyperthyroidism, restlessness, rapid weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, myxedema coma is treated by intravenous thyroid replacement, steroid therapy, supportive therapy of oxygen, assisted ventilation, fluid replacement, intensive care nursing indicated, early treatment, completely, controlled, relapses, occur medication is not continued, myxedema coma, result in death, myxedema coma, most severe form of hypothyroidism, rare, an infection, illness, exposure to cold, certain medications, signs of myxedema coma, unresponsiveness, decreased breathing, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, below normal temperature, complications, heart disease, increased risk of infection, infertility, miscarriage, pituitary tumors, signs, symptoms of hypothyroidism, myxedema, restlessness, rapid weight loss, heat intolerance, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, symptoms of hyperthyroidism occur after beginning thyroid replacement, primary hypothyroidism is preventable by supplemental iodine in areas where iodine, in the food supply is low, condition is not preventable, awareness of risk, allow early diagnosis, experts advocate screening laboratory testing, tsh, in certain high risk groups, women older than 50 years.