Underproduction of thyroid hormone, mainly caused by lack of iodine in the diet, or by Hashimoto's. See Goiter, and Struma programs.Encyclopedia Entry for Hypothyroidism :Hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system. It is located at the front of the neck, just above where your collarbones meet. The thyroid makes hormones that control the way every cell in the body uses energy. This process is called metabolism. Brain-thyroid link Hypothyroidism is more common in women and people over age 50. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis. Swelling and inflammation damage the thyroid gland's cells. Causes of this problem include: The immune system attacking the thyroid gland Viral infections (common cold) or other respiratory infections Pregnancy (often called postpartum thyroiditis) Other causes of hypothyroidism include: Certain medicines, such as lithium and amiodarone, and some types of chemotherapy Congenital (birth) defects Radiation treatments to the neck or brain to treat different cancers Radioactive iodine used to treat an overactive thyroid gland Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland Sheehan syndrome , a condition that may occur in a woman who bleeds severely during pregnancy or childbirth and causes the destruction of the pituitary gland Pituitary tumor or pituitary surgery.Early symptoms: Hard stools or constipation Feeling cold (wearing a sweater when others are wearing a t-shirt) Fatigue or feeling slowed down Heavier and irregular menstrual periods Joint or muscle pain Paleness or dry skin Sadness or depression Thin, brittle hair or fingernails Weakness Weight gain Late symptoms, if untreated: Decreased taste and smell Hoarseness Puffy face, hands, and feet Slow speech Thickening of the skin Thinning of eyebrows Low body temperature Slow heart rate.The health care provider will do a physical exam and may find that your thyroid gland is enlarged. Sometimes, the gland is normal size or smaller-than-normal. The exam may also reveal: Thin brittle hair Coarse features of the face Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch Reflexes that are abnormal Swelling of the arms and legs Blood tests are also ordered to measure your thyroid hormones TSH and T4. You may also have tests to check: Cholesterol levels Complete blood count ( CBC ) Liver enzymes Prolactin Sodium Cortisol.Treatment is aimed at replacing the thyroid hormone you are lacking. Levothyroxine is the most commonly used medicine: You will be prescribed the lowest dose possible that relieves your symptoms and brings your blood hormone levels back to normal. If you have heart disease or you are older, your doctor may start you on a very small dose. Most people with an underactive thyroid will need to take this medicine for life. When starting you on your medicine, your doctor may check your hormone levels every 2 to 3 months. After that, your thyroid hormone levels should be monitored at least once every year. When you are taking thyroid medicine, be aware of the following: DO NOT stop taking the medicine even when you feel better. Continue taking it exactly as your doctor prescribed. If you change brands of thyroid medicine, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked. What you eat can change the way your body absorbs thyroid medicine. Talk with your doctor if you are eating a lot of soy products or are on a high-fiber diet. Thyroid medicine works best on an empty stomach and when taken 1 hour before any other medicines. Ask your doctor if you should take your medicine at bedtime. Taking it at bedtime may allow your body to absorb the medicine better than taking it in the daytime. Wait at least 4 hours after taking thyroid hormone before you take fiber supplements, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide antacids, colestipol, or medicines that bind bile acids. While you are taking thyroid replacement therapy, tell your doctor if you have any symptoms that suggest your dose is too high, such as: Palpitations Rapid weight loss Restlessness or shakiness Sweating.In most cases, thyroid hormone level becomes normal with proper treatment. You will likely take a thyroid hormone medicine for the rest of your life.Myxedema coma, the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very low. It can be caused by an infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medicines in people with untreated hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is a medical emergency that must be treated in the hospital. Some people may need oxygen, breathing assistance (ventilator), fluid replacement, and intensive-care nursing. Symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include: Below normal temperature Decreased breathing Low blood pressure Low blood sugar Unresponsiveness Inappropriate or uncharacteristic moods People with untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk of: Infection Infertility , miscarriage , giving birth to a baby with birth defects Heart disease because of higher levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol Heart failure.Call your provider if you have symptoms of hypothyroidism. If you are being treated for hypothyroidism, call your doctor if: You develop chest pain or rapid heartbeat You have an infection Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment You develop new symptoms.Myxedema; Adult hypothyroidism; Underactive thyroid; Goiter - hypothyroidism; Thyroiditis - hypothyroidism; Thyroid hormone - hypothyroidism.Thyroid gland removal - discharge.Endocrine glands Endocrine glands Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism Brain-thyroid link Brain-thyroid link Primary and secondary hypothyroidism Primary and secondary hypothyroidism.Brent GA, Weetman AP. Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis.