* Introduction:
hypo = too little
thyroidism = disease of the thyroid
Thus, hypo-thyroidism = a disease of too little thyroid activity.
-def : hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone
* Causes:two fairly common causes:
-result of previous (or currently ongoing) inflammation of the thyroid gland : autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)
-surgical intervention: removal of a portion or all of the thyroid gland
* Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (you can’t tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

* Diagnosis:
-ultrasensitive TSH test
-T4 test
-thyroid autoantibody test

*Potential Dangers of Hypothyroidism :compensatory goiter,...
*Treatment: thyroid hormone pill (Levothyroxine) once a day, preferably in the morning(The dosage should be re-evaluated and possibly adjusted monthly until the proper level is established.)