[krankdog]

I was just diagnosed with hypothyroid. They say I have to take some meds (levothyroxin 50 mcg)for 8 weeks and then get my blood tested again. I was a health major in college so I am quite worried. I didn't get much info from my doctor because after I talked with him I thought of all these questions and now his office is closed for the day. So if anyone could answer any of these.

1. If I start taking meds do I have to take them the rest of my life?
2. what are the degrees of hypothyroid, how can you tell if you have a mild or major case?
3. what causes it to happen? Are there certain events (I had a baby 11 months ago and stopped nursing 1 month ago, these signs started happening when I stopped nursing)
4. are their meds that fix my thyroid instead of just "replace" it?

And if you have any more information that I might want to know that would be great.

[J_9]

Hypothyroidism is not uncommon. Please do not be worried sick. All it means is that your thyroid is underacitve.

Answers to your questions:

1. Most likely you will have to take meds for the rest of your life. It is like having high blood pressure, people will HBP take meds all of their lives.
2. I am not sure about degrees, it is my belief that you either have it or you don't. Check with your doc on this to be sure.
3. Genetics cause this to happen. There is not a certain event such as having a baby and stopping nursing that causes this.
4. The meds are not "replacing" your thyroid, they are helping it to function properly.

Definition of Hypotyroidism - Underactivity of the thyroid gland.

There are two main types -
1. Myxedema - This is advanced hypotyroidism in adulthood. Atrophy (no activity) of the thyroid gland occurs, and practically no hormone is produced. The skin becomes dry and puffy because of the collection of mucus-like material under the skin. Many patients also develop artherosclerosis because lack of thyroid hormone increases the quantity of blood lipids (fats in the blood). Recovery may be complete if thyroid hormone (medicine you are on) is given soon after symptoms appear.

2. Cretinism - This is diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. Let me know if you need info on this.

Hope this helps, do not hesitate to ask more if you need to.

[krankdog]

Thank you for your reply. My hypothyroidism was caused by my pregnancy. I have found lots of info on it.
Women are at much higher risk for hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy, which affects the thyroid in a number of ways. Iodine requirements increase because of the needs of both the mother and the fetus. Reproductive hormones cause changes in thyroid hormone levels. Often, however, hypothyroidism occurs because women develop antibodies to their own thyroid during pregnancy, causing an inflammation of the thyroid after delivery. Autoimmune thyroiditis occurs in up to 5% of pregnant women and tends to develop between four and 12 months after delivery (and so is called postpartum autoimmune thyroiditis). It almost always resolves on its own.
Have a FABULOUS DAY!