Hypothyroid or Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroid and hypothyroidism may be used by certain people describing an underactive thyroid producing very little of its hormone. But in true context, hypothyroid is used as an adjective describing something. Having an underactive thyroid causes a condition called hypothyroidism. According to the Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (online), hypothyroid means it relates to or affected with hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is the condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone needed for normal body functions. According to studies, women are more likely to develop the condition.

What exactly is the thyroid and what does it do?

The thyroid is a gland of the endocrine system that produces hormones that can affect bodily functions. It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck just below the Adam's apple (thyroid cartilage).

The thyroid is a major regulatory gland that produces a hormone affecting several bodily functions. Hormones by the thyroid influences metabolism, which is the way the body uses energy; weight; development of the brain; normal heart and nervous system functions; breathing; and even influences body temperature. In women, thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland may also have effects on menstrual cycles.

The thyroid gland can also have an effect on the calcium levels in the blood and deposition of it in the bones.

Having hypothyroidism can cause many problems that may different from person to person.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism may include the following:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Having a puffy face
• Elevated weight or weight gain
• Pain in joints or muscles
• Intolerance to decreased temperatures or cold temperature
• Drying or thinning hair
• Devoid of sweating or decreased sweating
• Heart problems, such as slowed heart rate
• Heavy or irregular menstruation (in women)

The condition may also cause depression, which can be mistaken as a part of aging or dementia.

Several health problems can cause hypothyroidism including Hashimoto's disease-a type of an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks normal cells or tissues); thyroiditis, which is the inflammation of the thyroid.; congenital hypothyroidism, which means the condition of having an underactive thyroid is present at birth; removal of the thyroid because of surgery; undergoing radioactive therapy fro hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid); and certain medications.

Treatment of hypothyroidism may involve the use of synthetic (man-made) thyroid hormones. However, regular testing of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is recommended by experts to determine the dose of the synthetic thyroid hormones.

Thyroid stimulating hormone is one of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland that can affect production and secretion of the thyroid gland.

Sources:

Tortora, G. and Grabowski, S.: PRINCIPLES OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 10^th ed. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003.

Seeley, R. et al: ESSENTIALS OF ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. 5^th ed. McGraw - Hill, 2005.

Hypothyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Hypothyroidism. Endocrine Health.

Hypothyroidism. Merriam-Webster Online.