Hormonal imbalances in women are most common and can be experienced throughout a lifetime. Hypothyroidism treatment for women can help to improve health and quality of life. Women are five times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that can bring about health and emotional issues. Despite the statistics, this debilitating disease can be treated successfully. The first step in effectively treating hypothyroidism, is to be positively diagnosed through a blood test and subsequently, selecting a recommended course, consisting of either medication, surgery or natural therapy.

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland positioned in the lower area of the neck. It is responsible for secreting hormones critical for human development. One such hormone is thyroxine. Low levels of thyroxine are the primary cause of hypothyroidism, in addition to iodine and vitamin D deficiency, Hashimoto’s and autoimmune diseases.

How Do I Know If I Have Hypothyroidism?

Unfortunately, symptoms can be mistaken for other health issues therefore, it is very important to be properly diagnosed by an endocrinologist or specialized medical professional. A thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test that measures different levels of thyroxine in the blood will identify hypothyroidism. Noticeable symptoms include:

Extreme fatigue
Depression
Severe hair loss
Unexplained weight gain
Brain fog
Cold extremities
Swollen neck on one side, called a goiter

What Does Hypothyroidism Treatment Look Like?

Typically, medication is a first step in treating hypothyroidism. Depending on age, weight and thyroid hormone levels, the right medication for you can be determined to help stabilize hormone levels. Patience and consistency are key to the success in regulating hormonal imbalances. Another approach is to have a thyroidectomy, which is the surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Completely removing the thyroid gland also has side effects and would require being permanently placed on Levothyroxine. Taking into consideration the function of the thyroid gland, this method deserves serious analysis before undertaking such measures.

Hypothyroidism disease should not be neglected. If left untreated, it can cause other medical issues, such as congestive heart failure, mental illness and swelling of the thyroid gland, known as goiter. Always have more than one opinion and be educated regarding your disease.