An underactive thyroid slows your metabolism and can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a sensitivity to cold temperatures. If you have hypothyroidism, Kari Solberg, FNP-BC, and the team at Enlift Health Medical Clinic in Fargo, North Dakota, can provide patient-first treatment to regulate your hormones. Call Enlift Health Medical Clinic or book an appointment online for thyroid hormone testing today.

What causes hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, results in low thyroid hormones. The condition slows your metabolism and can result in many ongoing symptoms and health concerns. 

Like other hormone imbalances, hypothyroidism can have primary or secondary causes. Primary causes directly impact your thyroid gland function, while secondary causes typically affect the pituitary gland. Your pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which prompts the thyroid to produce hormones. 

Primary causes of hypothyroidism are more common than secondary causes, with Hashimoto’s disease topping the list. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to damage the thyroid gland. You might also develop hypothyroidism as the result of:

• Thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation
• Iodine deficiency
• A viral illness
• Treatment for hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), including thyroidectomy

Enlift Health Medical Clinic explores all possible causes to treat your hypothyroidism effectively. 

How does hypothyroidism impact my day-to-day life?

If you have hypothyroidism, you’re probably familiar with how it impacts your life. Symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to begin gradually and can worsen over the years. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Dry skin and hair
• Depression
• Constipation
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Infertility
• Cold temperature sensitivity
• Muscle weakness and soreness

Hypothyroidism can also contribute to high cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. If you have high cholesterol, your healthcare provider might want to test you for hypothyroidism, too. 

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Hypothyroidism treatment will regulate your thyroid hormone levels. After using a blood test to evaluate your hormones and examining the thyroid gland, the team at Enlift Health Medical Clinic recommends treatment. 

The most common treatment for hypothyroidism is an oral medication to increase thyroid hormone production. You should take your medication consistently according to the team’s instructions for the best possible results. 

You might also benefit from dietary modifications to promote healthy thyroid function. Iodine-rich foods like eggs, dairy, and iodized salt might help increase thyroid hormone production. Be sure to talk to the Enlift Health Medical Clinic team about any dietary modifications you intend to make. 

The Enlift Health Medical Clinic team recommends visiting the office for follow-ups so they can monitor your thyroid hormone levels and adjust treatment as necessary. 

Call Enlift Health Medical Clinic or schedule an appointment online to learn more about hypothyroidism today.