Less work of the thyroid gland is called hypothyroidism. In these patients, the hormones T3 and T4 in the blood have decreased.

What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

As the metabolism slows down, there are problems such as rapid weight gain, inability to wake up in the morning, weakness, numbness, dry skin, hair loss, constipation because the intestines work slowly, not understanding what is said because the thought slows down, and making wrong decisions.

How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

Blood tests are sufficient to diagnose hypothyroidism. The disease is diagnosed when it is seen that T3 and T4 are low in the blood.

How Does Hypothyroidism Work?

Tablets containing the synthetically produced T4 hormone are used in the treatment. Since the dose of the drug is related to the severity of the disease, the dose of the drug to be taken by the patient should be adjusted by a physician who is qualified in the field of endocrine.

Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy

Thyroid hormones are very important in the development of the baby in the womb. The baby cannot secrete thyroid hormone during the first years of life in the womb and only uses the hormones T3 and T4 that come from his mother through the umbilical cord. If the mother is hypothyroid, that is, if she is experiencing thyroid hormone insufficiency, serious developmental disorders, disabling birth, and even stillbirth risks occur in the baby because the amount of hormones passed to the baby will be insufficient.

This content was prepared by Yeditepe University Hospitals Medical Editorial Board.

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