Causes

• There are a variety of possible causes of hypothyroidism. The more common include certain autoimmune or congenital diseases, radiation therapy, excessive treatment for hyperthyroidism, some medications, a pituitary disorder, pregnancy, thyroid surgery or an iodine deficiency.
  
  

Symptoms

• Hypothyroidism symptoms vary, depending on how deficient certain hormone levels are. Symptoms can include chronic fatigue, wan appearance, increased sensitivity to cold, puffy face, scratchy voice, stiff or swollen joints, muscle weakness, brittle nails and mood swings.
  
  

Diagnosis

• Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a blood test that checks for inadequate levels of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. This test can also be performed as a screening before any symptoms present.
  
  

Complications

• Hypothyroidism can lead to a number of health complications over time if left untreated. These can include goiters, heart disease, myxedema, infertility and mental health disorders. Also, babies born from mothers with hypothyroidism can have birth defects.
  
  

Treatment

• Generally, hypothyroidism can be treated with supplements of the thyroid hormone levothyroxine. Popular medication brands include Levoxyl, Levothroid, Unithroid and Synthroid. Treatment usually has no side effects, and results begin to manifest within a week or two.