About this topic
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland. It is found in the lower part of the front neck. This gland makes hormones that control how your body uses energy. When your body does not make enough of the thyroid hormones, you have hypothyroidism. Then, the cells in your body slow down and you have little energy. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain. It can cause you to have joint pain. You may also have problems getting pregnant. Some people have low mood, mood swings, or heart problems. This illness can be treated with drugs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to control the signs. Take them as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop taking these drugs, even if you feel better, unless ordered by your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired.
- You may find you need extra clothing or covers to stay warm.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You doctor may order a blood test to check the thyroid level in your blood. Do not miss these visits. It is important to make sure you do not have too much or too little thyroid hormone.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Replace your thyroid hormones
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a short period of time. Avoid doing stressful and heavy activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Ask your doctor about any diet changes you may need to make. Talk to the doctor to see if you need to watch the amount of iodine in your diet.
- Eat foods high in fiber to prevent hard stools.
What problems could happen?
- Swelling of the thyroid gland
- Heart problems like irregular heartbeat or heart failure
- Mental health issues like low mood
- Puffy face, hands, and feet
- Not able to get pregnant
- Birth defects
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Hyperthyroidism signs include restlessness, rapid weight loss, and sweating
- Low temperature, low blood sugar, slow breathing, not responsive
- Feeling very tired
- Puffy hands, face, or feet
- Irregular heartbeat
- Confusion
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I feel restless, lose too much weight, feel very tired, or have an irregular heartbeat.
Where can I learn more?
National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service ‚
http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/Hypothyroidism/#symptoms ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/616/viewAbstract ‚
Thyroid Association ‚
http://www.thyroid.org/what-is-hypothyroidism/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚