Learning about hypthyroidism

1. Runninghead: Hypothyroidism 1
An Understanding of Hypothyroidism
Sharon Nemecek
Fox Valley Technical College

2. HYPOTHYROIDISM 2
Abstract
The pituitary gland controls the thyroid gland and will start making TSH (Thyroid Stimulating
Hormone) which causes the thyroid gland to make more hormones. The thyroid gland is an
important part of the body that regulates our metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where
the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to function correctly. This can occur to
someone of any age but is more common in women over the age of 50. Infants are screened for
hypothyroidism at birth and this early screening is extremely important. A blood test is needed
to verify if hormone therapy is required because if it is determined that the thyroid is not
functioning properly, hormone therapy should be started as soon as possible. Early detection and
starting them on hormone medication will allow the best chance of avoiding long term problems.
Not starting the synthetic hormones may cause infants to have developmental delays. It is called
congenital hypothyroidism when an infant is born with a non-functioning thyroid. No matter
what age the person is who is diagnosed as having a low or non-functioning thyroid, it is very
important to start medication as soon as possible. Taking a small pill every day is a simple
solution to prevent bigger issues.

3. HYPOTHYROIDISM 3
An Understanding of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects people of all ages. The thyroid is an important gland
in our body that regulates our metabolism. I decided to write on this subject because one of my
children was born with congenital hypothyroidism and I take medication for my thyroid as well.
The thyroid is an important part of the endocrine system which makes it an interesting subject to
research.
The Function of the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is the gland located in the lower front of your neck that creates the thyroid
hormone.(“What does the Thyroid Gland Do,”n.d.,para.-1). This is an important function
because it helps your body’s metabolism which effects how the body runs. If it is not working
correctly you may not feel well. The thyroid gland is regulated by the pituitary gland. (“What
does the Thyroid Gland do,”n.d.,para.-2-4). If your thyroid is not functioning correctly you may
feel sleepy, chilled, your skin may be dry, your heart beat may be slower, and you might have an
issue with gaining pounds and have some constipation.(“What does the Thyroid Gland
do?”n.d.,para-8).
How the Thyroid Works
The thyroid gland affects many parts of your body and how they function including body
temperature, heartbeat, digestion and even your muscles. It will extrude numerous hormones.
The most common hormone is thyroxine or T4.(“Picture of the Thyroid,”2014-Nov-16,para-3).
Eating food with iodine helps the thyroid work better, "The thyroid gland uses iodine from food
to make two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4),”(“Thyroid Disease: How your
Thyroid Works,”2007-2013,para.1-2). Foods that are rich in iron are sea foods, dairy products

4. HYPOTHYROIDISM 4
and also salt that has been iodized.(What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?”n.d.,para.4). The
pituitary gland regulates how the thyroid works. “It releases the thyroid stimulating hormone
(TSH).”(Thyroid Disease: How your Thyroid Works,”2007-2013,para.3). This prompts the
thyroid to release the thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland determines if the right amount has
been released but if it still determines there is not enough, it will keep releasing TSH to show
that the thyroid is not producing enough of the thyroid hormone. This would be an indication of
hypothyroidism.(“Thyroid Disease: How your Thyroid Works.”2007-2013,para.3-4).
People who Get Hypothyroidism
No one is immune from getting hypothyroidism but it is more common in women than in men
especially those over the age of 50. There is no clear reason why this is the case except for the
fact that one type is Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism which is an autoimmune disease and for some
reason autoimmune diseases occur in women more than men.(“Hypothyroidism in Men vs
Women,”2014-June-11,para.3). Children may also get the disease and infants are screened for it
at birth because it is important to start hormone therapy as early as possible. There may be a
structural problem or inflammation of the thyroid which would cause someone young to acquire
hypothyroidism. If babies are born with the disease it is called congenital
hypothyroidism.(“Hypothyroidism in Infants and Children.”n.d.,para..-4).
Some Known Causes
There are different causes for your body to stop making the thyroid hormone but the most likely
reason could be from an acquired autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. What it
does is convince your immune system to go after the cells that produce the thyroid hormone. If
you have had surgery on your thyroid it also might cause your thyroid not to function correctly.

5. HYPOTHYROIDISM 5
Sometimes when only one side of the thyroid is removed by surgery, the other side will step up
and function adequately. If someone has had radiation treatment in the throat area it also might
cause the thyroid to stop functioning properly. There may be cases where someone has gotten an
infection and it will cause the thyroid to become inflamed and cause problems with how the
thyroid works, but in a majority of the cases this is a temporary issue. Some types of
medications could also affect the thyroid.(“What’s Causing My Low Thyroid Level?”,n.d.,para.1-
8).
Hypothyroidism in Infants and Small Children
When a baby is born one of the screenings the hospital will run is to see how the infant’s thyroid
is functioning. If it is determined that it is not, they will run a follow-up test to verify the results.
If that test validates the first test, the infant will be diagnosed with Congenital
Hypothyroidism.(“Follow-Up Testing”,2015,para.2). The reason the infant may have this
problem may be because their thyroid did not develop as it should have or that the pituitary gland
is not signaling the thyroid to produce the hormones. Another reason would be that for some
reason the formation of the thyroid hormones is not functioning. Most likely the condition in
infants is probably because the thyroid gland was not formed the way it should. More girls than
boys are born with this condition.(Neonatal Hypothyroidism,2015-Nov-2,para.3-4). If an infant
has hypothyroidism there may be some of the following indications: yellow appearance of skin
and eyes, tiredness, constipation, poor muscle tone, puffy eyes, the tongue may be swollen,
clammy skin, extended stomach, their cry may sound hoarse, and their growth may not be on
track with other infants.(About Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism,n.d.,para.2).

6. HYPOTHYROIDISM 6
Treatment and Prognosis of Congenital Hypothyroidism
Early detection of congenital hypothyroidism is very important to the outcome in infants. A
medication called Thyroxine is prescribed and the child will be monitored regularly by having
lab work done.(Neonatal Hypothyroidism,2015-Nov-19,para.8-9). If the infant is started on the
thyroid medication within the first month of life the prognosis is good that they will develop
normally and will avoid mental retardation.(Neonatal Hypothyroidism,2015-Nov-19,para.10).
Untreated congenital hypothyroidism can affect the child’s intelligence and development and
they also might develop a heart condition.(Neonatal Hypothyroidism,2015-Nov-19,Para.11).
Taking the thyroid hormone is something that the infant will need to take their entire life.
Dosages may need to be adjusted as they grow. Even if the hormone therapy is started early
there still may be some developmental delays.(About Primary Congenital
Hypothyroidism,Expected Outcome,2015,para.2-3).
Healthy Lifestyles
Even though hypothyroidism can be regulated by the proper dose of thyroid medication it also
important take care of your body with healthy eating habits, staying physically fit and
maintaining good mental health. Vegetables are important in a good diet but you may need to
avoid turnips and cabbage because they may affect the production of the thyroid hormone.(8
Ways to Live Better With Hypothyroidism,2015,page 2,para.1). Being aware of your body and
it’s limitations as well as leading a healthy lifestyle with the proper dosage of medication will
help you in managing hypothyroidism.(8 Ways to Live Better With
Hypothyroidism,2015,page4,para.1)

7. HYPOTHYROIDISM 7
References
About Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism.(n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.babysfirsttest.org/newborn-screening/conditions/primary-congenital-hypothyroidism
8 Ways To Live Better With Hypothyroidism.(2015). Retrieved from
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-living-with-hypothyroidism/live-better-pictures/#02
Hypothyroidism in Infants and Children .n.d. Retrieved from
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/hormonal-disorders-in-
children/hypothyroidism-in-infants-and-children
Hypothyroidism in Men vs Women.2014-June-11. Retrieved from
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-living-with-hypothyroidism/men-vs-women/
Neonatal Hypothyroidism.(2015-Nov-2). Retrieved from
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001193.htm
Pictures of the Thyroid.2014-Nov-16. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-thyroid
Thyroid Disease: How Your Thyroid Works.(2007-2013). Retrieved from
https://www.cardiosmart.org/~/media/Documents/Fact%20Sheets/en/abl3885.ashx
What does the Thyroid Gland Do?.(n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health/what-do-hormones-do/what-does-the-thyroid-gland-
do

8. HYPOTHYROIDISM 8
What’s Causing My Low Thyroid Level.(n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/low-thyroid-causes