Hypothyroidism is a common hormone deficiency. It is caused by a lack of thyroid hormone secretion from the pituitary gland or thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus. Thyroid hormones are very important in controlling the body's energy.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The common symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following:

1. The person may feel chronic fatigue and sluggishness. Some may feel weaker than usually over an extended period of time.

2. Rapid weight gain and the inability to lose weight once it has been gained.

3. Severe hair loss and the skin become pale.

4. Bouts of depression and sadness with irritability and moods swings.

5. Irregular bowel movements

6. Low or no sex drive at all.

7. Abnormal or missing menstrual cycles over a period of months.

However, these symptoms can be also be symptoms for other conditions that are totally unrelated to hypothyroidism

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

Once hypothyroidism is diagnosed the doctors would prescribe the synthetic thyroid pr desiccated thyroid hormone. In acute cases, thyroid hormone replacement is necessary. The other cure for hypothyroidism is by changing the diet. The intake of goitrogenic foods like rapeseed, cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes and so on should be limited. The patients with hypothyroidism should consume the food which is rich in iodine like kelp, radish, parsley, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas. However, if a person is being treated for under active thyroid then the foods containing fat, sodium, red meat and egg intake should be reduced.

It is believed that with healthy diet and exercise, the distressing symptoms such as weight gain and mood swings can be improved. However, the shot-term hormone replacement therapy using the herbal thyroid medicine known as Thyromine will also help to control the symptoms of hypothyroidism. This pill works by stimulating the body to produce normal level of thyroxin.

Frequency of Hypothyroidism

The survey conducted by the Third National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, shows that 4.6% of the US population has reported hypothyroidism. The international survey and study shows that there is a prevalence of 2-5 % of people suffering from hypothyroidism. Studies also reveal that hypothyroidism is more common in females than males. The frequency of hypothyroidism increases with age. In developed countries the death caused by hypothyroidism is very much uncommon.