Thyroid Insufficiency

Hypothyroidism Treatment in Southern California

Thyroid hormone insufficiency, often referred to as hypothyroidism, is a condition that affects millions worldwide. It occurs when your thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy generation and overall bodily functions.

Hypothyroidism Q&A

What is thyroid insufficiency?

Your thyroid gland is central to your body’s metabolic processes. It produces two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which influence every cell in your body. They regulate your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate and more, essentially setting the pace at which your body operates.

Thyroid hormone insufficiency can stem from a variety of sources. The most common cause is an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland mistakenly, impairing its ability to produce hormones. Other causes include certain medications, a previous thyroid surgery, radiation therapy and iodine deficiency.

What are the symptoms of thyroid insufficiency?

The physical manifestations of thyroid hormone insufficiency can be subtle at first but become more noticeable over time. You might experience the following:

Fatigue
Weight gain despite not eating more
Cold intolerance
Dry skin
Hair thinning
Facial puffiness
Muscle weakness
Constipation
A slow heart rate

The impact of thyroid hormone insufficiency isn’t limited to physical health; it significantly affects emotional and mental well-being. These symptoms include:

Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
A general feeling of being mentally “foggy”
Depression

If left untreated, thyroid hormone insufficiency can lead to more serious health issues. These include:

Heart problems
Peripheral neuropathy
Infertility
In severe cases, myxedema coma, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

Thyroid hormone insufficiency is diagnosed with history and laboratory testing. Medical interviewing including discussion of family history of thyroid issues, autoimmune diseases, previous thyroid surgery, radiation therapy to the neck, and certain chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis also assists the clinician in providing a diagnosis.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Treatment for thyroid hormone insufficiency typically involves hormone replacement therapy with synthetic thyroxine (T4). This medication is designed to restore hormone levels to their natural balance, alleviating symptoms and preventing long-term health complications. One of our expert healthcare providers will tailor your treatment based on your specific needs, monitoring hormone levels regularly to adjust the dosage as necessary.

988: Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.

911: If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.

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