Thyroid Doctors Treat Hypothyroidism at Mercy Medical Center

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Being deficient in certain thyroid hormones upsets the body’s metabolism. Since hypothyroidism can cause obesity, joint pain and heart disease, among other conditions, an endocrinologist specializing in deficient levels of thyroid hormones should be consulted when symptoms of a thyroid disorder occur.

Hypothyroidism symptoms often develop slowly and can vary depending on how deficient the thyroid is in producing hormones. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Cold temperature intolerance
• Muscle weakness, aches or stiffness
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Decreased heart rate
• Depression
• Memory loss

Endocrinologists diagnose hypothyroidism by conducting blood tests to measure the hormone levels produced by the thyroid.  The amount of thyroid stimulating hormone being produced determines the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormone medication is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism. This medication helps to restore the deficient hormone levels that cause an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism treatment often is a life-long process. Endocrinologists need to monitor the doses of the thyroid medication since the medication may need adjustment periodically to provide the best results for maintaining appropriate thyroid hormone levels.