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Learn about thyroid

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis

Hypothyroidism can be an elusive disease. Its presence can be so slight that you may not even recognize that anything is wrong. On the other hand, the symptoms may be undeniable—dry skin, intolerance to cold, an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Whatever the case, if you have any suspicion that you may be hypothyroid, it's important to talk to your doctor about getting tested.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis (or autoimmune hypothyroidism), a form of thyroid inflammation caused by your own immune system.

Animal Thyroid Supplements for Hypothyroidism

Though synthetic thyroid hormones are the preferred medication for hypothyroidism today, animal thyroid hormones (also known as desiccated, or dried, thyroid extract) were once the standard treatment. In fact, they were the only treatment available.

Hypothyroidism Glossary

Animal (Desiccated) Thyroid Extract A crude preparation made of animal, usually pig, thyroid glands. It was the first available source of thyroid hormone (thyroxine). It is still available today, but synthetic thyroid supplements are the preferred hypothyroid treatment.

Hypothyroidism FAQ

What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism," it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.

Hypothyroidism Facts & Tips

Hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid gland—is the most common thyroid disorder. Women over 50 are particularly susceptible to developing hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes your bodily functions to slow down.

Graves’ Disease Treatment

With proper treatment, you can minimize the effects of Graves’ disease. The goal of treatment is to control over-production of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). There are three treatment options for Graves’ disease. Your doctor or endocrinologist will recommend the best treatment for you and your particular case of Graves’ disease.  

Graves’ Disease Diagnosis

Graves’ Disease Overview

Graves’ disease is named for the doctor who first described it in Ireland—Robert J.

An Overview of the Thyroid

Thyroid Essentials
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