Thyroid disorders explained

Symptoms of hypothyroidism
When too little thyroid hormone is released, the body's metabolic rate decreases and the body slows down. There are numerous symptoms associated with this condition, including:

Treating hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is the simplest of the three types of thyroid disorders to treat. It requires a daily dose of a substitute thyroid hormone called L-thyroxine. You and your doctor will work together to find the right dose for you; this determination will be made over subsequent visits and will depend on a number of blood tests and how you are feeling.

Hypothyroidism patients take the drug for the rest of their lives, probably needing several changes in the dose over time. Blood tests will be taken periodically to determine if the dose should be raised or lowered to maintain the right levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Side effects: if your dose is too low and you remain somewhat hypothyroid, you could be at risk for arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) due to elevated cholesterol levels. If your dose is too high and you become somewhat hyperthyroid, you may notice symptoms of that disorder. Over time, thyroid hormone excess could put you at higher risk for heart attack or osteoporosis.