Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone. It is very common; most people know someone who is taking extra thyroid hormone pills (levothyroxine or Synthroid). Symptoms are fatigue, weakness, feeling cold when others are warm, depression, constipation, puffy face, dry hair and skin, hair loss, weight gain, irritability, and abnormal periods to name a few. It is treated by supplementing hormone with tablets as noted above. Your doctor will monitor for correct dosage by measuring TSH levels in the blood. These levels are checked 4-6 weeks after dosage is started or changed.