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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

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Posted on Fri, 12 Feb 2016
Question: I asked about feeling sluggish with hypothyroidism. I did get an answer but I guess I didnt ask enough of a question. What is happening within my body due to the condition. Are there toxins building up? What is my body NOT doing to fight off the sluggishness and besides medicines what can be done to combat hypothyroidism?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (50 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The only way to treat Hypothyroidism is by taking the medicine.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM for your question.

Hypothyroidism means low production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid is a gland that produces several important hormones that play a big role in methabolism. How much lower the production of this hormones, makes that the metabolism is slower.

This expalines the sluggishness, drowsiness. weight gain, dry skin, slow heart rate, constipation like symptoms.

The only way to combat hypothyroidism is by substituting the hormon that is missing orally. So the medicine you are taking is the hormone , that your Thyroid gland should produce but now actually you are taking it from outside.

It is a very safe medicine, and its taken just once a day. Once you find the dose you need, your symptoms will be treated and you won't have anymore problems.

On the other side, you would need to take it all your life, because the thyroid can not regenerate new cells to produce more hormones, so will produce that amount, and sometimes going less, with the time.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (49 minutes later)
I understand what the medicine does. But as you said it only treats the symptoms. I've researched heavily and many alternatives say that there's natural ways to stimulate the thyroid such as cleansing and a dietary lifestyle that includes regular exercise. Is this true and if so why would doctors push a synthetic (unnatural) medicine rather than try the natural path first? The natural path certainly wont hurt a person.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (13 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Evidences say that the alternative methods are not helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your follow-up question.

Evidences say that there is no alternative way that is helpful, if the hypothyroidism is clinical, meaning if you have symptoms of low thyroid function.
There have been some studies about iodine supplements, or foods rich in iodine, but they can stimulate the thyroid up to the point of maximum production of the remaining cells, causing thyroid enlargement, more then normal function.

You may try the healthy lifestyle and diet, because that would be helpful for other organs, and general well being, but if the thyroid function is low, meaning has less cells that produce the hormones or any, then the only way to get the hormones is to take them from outside. It is a success that the medicine is produces synthetically and easy to take by a tablet from, because other hormones like Insulin, are produced only in injected form.

Hope I answered your question.
Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

Brief Answer: The only way to treat Hypothyroidism is by taking the medicine. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM for your question. Hypothyroidism means low production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid is a gland that produces several important hormones that play a big role in methabolism. How much lower the production of this hormones, makes that the metabolism is slower. This expalines the sluggishness, drowsiness. weight gain, dry skin, slow heart rate, constipation like symptoms. The only way to combat hypothyroidism is by substituting the hormon that is missing orally. So the medicine you are taking is the hormone , that your Thyroid gland should produce but now actually you are taking it from outside. It is a very safe medicine, and its taken just once a day. Once you find the dose you need, your symptoms will be treated and you won't have anymore problems. On the other side, you would need to take it all your life, because the thyroid can not regenerate new cells to produce more hormones, so will produce that amount, and sometimes going less, with the time. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Regards,