Hypothyroidism (cretinism): Symptoms, Cause and Treatment

What is Hypothyroidism (cretinism)?

Hypothyroidism (cretinism) is an insufficient production of thyroid hormone by thyroid gland because of various reasons and it is characterized by weight gain, yellow-orange skin, fatigue and low metabolic rate and it can also cause to improper periods and milk production in the women who are not pregnant.

Causes of Hypothyroidism (cretinism)

• Insufficient production of thyroid hormone is the main cause of Hypothyroidism (cretinism).
• In infant it may occur due the lack or insufficient expansion of thyroid gland.
• Abnormal iodide uptake may also cause to this disease.
• Removal of thyroid gland due to any reason may cause to Hypothyroidism.
• Uses of radioactive iodine may also be responsible for this disease.
• Infection in the thyroid hormone may cause permanent Hypothyroidism.
• Medicine such as Nitroprusside, lithium, or iodides may trigger this disease.
• Congenital defects may also cause to this disease.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (cretinism)

• Skin color may change to yellow-orange
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Low metabolic rate
• Irregular periods
• Loss of hair
• Puffy face
• Hearing problem
• Poor feeding
• Heart defects with birth
• Short stature
• Jaundice
• Cool and pale skin
• Constipation
• Rough voice
• Swollen eyelids
• Enlarged thyroid gland
• Depression

Treatment of Hypothyroidism (cretinism)

• It can be stop by proper iodine supplementation.
• Somewhere intramuscular injections of iodized oil is used to treat Hypothyroidism.
• Levothyroxine sodium tablets are suggested by the doctor for the patient of Hypothyroidism.
• Some medicine such as Levothyroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid are also useful for this disease.
• Patient of this disease may have to use medicine for their whole life.

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