Hypothyroidism is a very common condition that effects millions of people across the globe without them even realizing it. Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid slows down in function which can have severe side effects on your body. Your thyroid primarily controls your metabolism but it also plays parts in other bodily functions as well, which is why it is important to make sure it is working as it should.
There is no real form of Thyroid self test that you can do, and considering the symptoms of hypothyroidism it can be hard to know if you even have it. Some of the symptoms can include constipation, fatigue, feeling cold, gaining weight and the inability to lose weight and depression or anxiety. As you can imagine, all of these symptoms can be caused by a host of other things which is why determining whether or not you even have hypothyroidism is such a problem.
Given these kinds of symptoms are so common you do not want to jump the gun and immediately assume you have hypothyroidism just because you are feeling a little blue or gained a few pounds. However if some of those symptoms have been going on for a while, you may want to consult your doctor about the possibility that you have hypothyroidism.
As I mentioned, you can not Thyroid self test, so you will have to go to your doctor to check to see if you have hypothyroidism. It is a fairly simple and quick procedure to see if you have it. They will take a small blood sample to see if you have elevated counts of TSH.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is produced by your body when it detects your thyroid behaving abnormally. It is intended to correct the problem and get your thyroid back in working order. Sometimes this fails and that is why you suffer from hypothyroidism. Your doctor will test your blood and if there is a high enough amount of TSH it will tell them that you do indeed have hypothyroidism.
This is not a very serious condition, though, so do not panic if you do have it. Your doctor will likely tell you that you will have to take some medication for the rest of your life and maybe make some small adjustments to your life style, but nothing significant.
One of the most common reasons for your thyroid to act up is a lack of iodine. Iodine is a chemical produced by your body that essentially fuels your thyroid. Hypothyroidism is usually caused when your body does not produce enough iodine, forcing your thyroid to slow down since it does not have enough fuel. If this is the case your treatment will likely include iodine supplements to counter the problem.
In the end, while the symptoms are exceptionally common and there is no Thyroid self test, hypothyroidism is not that big of a problem. If you suspect you have it just go see your doctor, and if you do have it than just do as instructed. You will find it to be a very minor inconvenience on your life.