{"id":1158516,"date":"2025-02-12T14:06:14","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T19:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/?page_id=1158516"},"modified":"2025-02-12T14:06:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T19:06:15","slug":"hypothyroidism","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nortonhealthcare.com\/patient-resources\/norton-now\/hypothyroidism\/","title":{"rendered":"Hypothyroidism"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hypothyroidism describes an underactive thyroid gland. That means your body isn\u2019t producing enough of the hormones that regulate much of your body\u2019s functions. If your thyroid hormones are low, your metabolism slows down and you might feel tired, unusually sensitive to cold or depressed, and you might gain weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to complications, such as heart disease, goiter, peripheral neuropathy, pregnancy complications and, very rarely, myxedema coma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. In adults who\u2019ve acquired hypothyroidism, the cause is typically Hashimoto disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder. Rather than fight infection, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hashimoto thyroiditis runs in families, but the cause isn\u2019t known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgery or radioactive iodine therapy for a thyroid disorder, such as hyperthyroidism<\/a> (overactive thyroid) or thyroid cancer, can damage the gland and lead to an underactive thyroid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postpartum thyroiditis is a rare thyroid disease that occurs within a year of pregnancy and can lead to hypothyroidism. Symptoms of postpartum thyroiditis can be improperly attributed to postpartum depression or new parent stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some children are born with a low-functioning or nonfunctioning thyroid. Congenital hypothyroidism<\/a> is a thyroid disease with no symptoms, but the condition easily can be detected through newborn screening and treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication. If left untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to permanent mental disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The Care You Need When and Where You Need It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your primary care provider<\/a> can assist with testing and treatment for hypothyroidism. If specialized care is needed, you also have the option to consult an endocrinologist. Many Norton Community Medical Associates primary care locations are conveniently colocated with dedicated endocrinology practices<\/a> across the Louisville area, including Southern Indiana and Elizabethtown, Kentucky, making access to expertise seamless and convenient.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism symptoms tend to develop slowly and easily can be mistaken for another condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, discuss them with a medical provider or at your next annual checkup. The only way to know whether you have hypothyroidism is a routine blood test to check your thyroid hormone level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common hypothyroidism symptoms, according to the American Thyroid Association<\/a>, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n