Hypothyroidism Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment Information Produced by Medical Doctors

Font Size

Hypothyroidism

Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Thyroid, Iodine, & Diet: What You Should Know

Medical Author: Ruchi Mathur, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

Diet and Hypothyroidism Many of my patients ask questions or make comments about iodine use in thyroid disease. Examples are: " Should I increase the iodine in my diet if I'm hypothyroid?" "My mother had hyperthyroidism, and they told her it was because of a lack of iodine." " My sister has thyroid disease, and to avoid getting it, I'm taking Kelp tablets." "Can I eat sushi if I take Synthroid?"

Although these questions and comments are relevant, this subject is peppered with "old wives tales" and folklore. In the first part of this discussion, I'd like to focus on the role iodine in relation to the thyroid gland and its function.... a bit of physiology for the beginner. Later, I will discuss how an excess or deficiency of iodine can contribute to diseases of the thyroid gland.

Top Searched
Hypothyroidism Terms:

hypothyroidism symptoms, myxedema, sub clinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism and pregnancy, hypothyroidism diagnosis, hypothyroidism treatment

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone production. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate thyroid hormone has widespread consequences for the body.

This article will focus specifically on hypothyroidism in adults.

What are thyroid hormones?

Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland. This gland is located in the lower part of the neck, below the Adam's apple. The gland wraps around the windpipe (trachea) and has a shape that is similar to a butterfly - formed by two wings (lobes) and attached by a middle part (isthmus).

The thyroid gland uses iodine (mostly available from the diet in foods such as seafood, bread, and salt) to produce thyroid hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which account for 99% and 1% of thyroid hormones present in the blood respectively. However, the hormone with the most biological activity is T3. Once released from the thyroid gland into the blood, a large amount of T4 is converted into T3 - the active hormone that affects the metabolism of cells.

Thyroid Gland illustration - Hypothyroidism

Next: Thyroid hormone regulation - the chain of command »

Hypothyroidism - Symptoms Experienced

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

For hypothyroidism, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced?

Comment submissions for this question have ended.

See 30 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Printer-Friendly Format

Email to a Friend

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

levothyroxine sodium, Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid - Learn more about Levothyroxine Sodium (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid), including a description, generic and brand names, drug class and mechanism, preparations, storage, reasons for prescription, dosing, drug interactions, effect on pregnancy and nursing mothers, and common side effects.
Thyroid Blood Tests - Read about thyroid blood tests, which are used to diagnose disease of the thyroid such as hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism, as well as point to other diseases of the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism - Learn about hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) symptoms such as irritability, tachycardia, heat intolerance, increased sweating, weight gain, and more, as well as the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Health categories:	Slideshows \| Diseases & Conditions \| Symptoms & Signs \| Procedures & Tests \| Medications \| Health & Living \| News & Views \| Medical Dictionary
Popular health centers:	Allergies \| Arthritis \| Cancer \| Diabetes \| Digestion \| Healthy Kids \| Heart \| Men's Health \| Mental Health \| Women's Health \| More...
Publications:	ePublications (PDFs) \| XML News via RSS \| Audio Podcasts \| Email Newsletters
MedicineNet.com:	About Us \| Privacy Policy \| Search Help \| Site Map \| WebMD® \| Medscape® \| eMedicine® \| eMedicineHealth® \| RxList®

Hypothyroidism