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The main test for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism is to check the level of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TRH tests help in distinguishing whether the disease is due to pituitary dysfunction or the hypothalamus.
Usually hypothyroidism requires a lifetime of drug therapy like Leyothyroxine (T4). T3 (cytomel) is also used but T4 is found to be more successful then T3 as T4 is a more stable thyroid hormone than T3. T4 replacements are taken in the morning before having breakfast.
In the condition of hypothyroidism, there is a low level of thyroid hormone which is the opposite of what is seen in hyperthyroidism.
Since the thyroid hormone plays an important role in growth and development, hypothyroidism affects both of them. Hypothyroidism is not a uncommon disorder and is present in 3-5% of the total population. The causes of hypothyroidism are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid destruction, pituitary disease and iodine deficiency.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle and may include: