HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland, which supplies hormones to keep the metabolism in working order, is not functioning properly. This results in lower-than-required levels of essential hormones that are distributed to the rest of the body - undermining the body's ability to function efficiently. Hypothyroidism generally affects adults, but can affect children too. Often, the term "hypothyroidism" is used incorrectly for either myxedema or congenital hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland while hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland.

Myxedema, commonly referred to as advanced hypothyroidism, is a rare, life-threatening condition that can result from long-term undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Women are six times more likely than men to develop this form of hypothyroidism. Myxedema most commonly occurs in adults, while Congenital hypothyroidism is present from birth. 

The modern English word "hypothyroidism" is derived from the ancient Greek prefix hypo, meaning "under" and the Greek words thyreos, meaning "shield" and eidos, meaning "shape or form"; hence, the shield-like shape of the thyroid gland, which protects the glottis (in the throat, where the vocal cords are located). 

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, hypothyroidism means "Diminished production of thyroid hormone, leading to clinical manifestations of thyroid insufficiency, including low metabolic rate, tendency to gain weight, somnolence, and sometimes myxedema."

The thyroid gland produces three main hormones:


• Thyroxine (T-4)
• Triiodothyronine (T-3)
• Calcitonin

T-3 and T-4 maintain the rate at which our bodies utilize carbohydrates and fats. They also have an impact on our heart rates, and play an important role in protein synthesis. Calcitonin is a hormone that regulates the production of calcium in the blood. 

The hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is in charge of hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the pituitary gland (located at the base of the hypothalamus), work together to control the release of T-3 and T-4. The hypothalamus regulates the pituitary gland's production of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH); depending on the levels of T-3 and T-4 found in your bloodstream, the corresponding amount of this hormone is then released into your blood. The thyroid gland then regulates its production of hormones based on how much TSH it receives.

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