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Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not make
or release enough thyroid hormone for the body to
metabolize food properly.
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About 13 million Americans have this condition and
at least another 10 million more are undiagnosed.
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Hypothyroidism affects women more often than men
at about a 7:1 ratio.
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Hormonal changes such as those encountered during
pregnancy and menopause can trigger this condition.
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Over 10% of the elderly population has this condition.
1 in 5 elderly females have a thyroid dysfunction
and most of them are hypothyroid.
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Some symptoms of this condition include: increased
or irregular menstrual flow, depression, sensitivity
to cold, brittle hair and nails, fatigue, memory
impairment and fertility problems.
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Synthroid, which is a synthetic version of the T4
(thyroxine) hormone, is the most commonly prescribed
medication to treat hypothyroidism in the US. It's
produced by Abbott Laboratories.
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This condition is often confused with depression,
chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
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Those who are hypothyroid are at a greater risk
for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic pain
disorders and autoimmune dysfunctions.