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Hypothyroidism
February 13, 2009 |
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the amount of thyroid hormone in the body
is less than normal. Having a low level of thyroid hormone can affect your entire
body.
Dr. Athan Drimoussis is an endocrinologist with Lee Memorial Health System. He says, “The energy levels are low, the ability to withstand cold goes down, so the patient
can have cold intolerance, lethargy, weakness, tiredness. It can affect your mood
presenting you mild depression.”
The low level of thyroid hormone prompts the pituitary gland to send extra thyroid
stimulating hormone into the bloodstream in an effort to get the thyroid to make
more hormone. Because of this, doctors are able to test for hypothyroidism with
a simple blood test. “Pretty much it’s a very easy test to do. Involves a fasting
blood test and you can get the results within 24 to 48 hours,” says Dr. Drimoussis.
Once diagnosed with hypothyroidism doctors can typically treat it with thyroid hormone
pills. Dr. Drimoussis says, “We supplement the patient with thyroid hormone; multiple
products out there.” In most cases, thyroid hormone supplements are a lifelong treatment
plan. If left untreated your cholesterol could elevate increasing your risk for hardening of the arteries.
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