Hypothyroidism: Dealing Day-to-Day

1. Make sure a doctor diagnoses your condition

Because there are so many symptoms of hypothyroidism, it can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose. Hypothyroidism could be present for months or years without any accompanying physical signs. Hypothyroidism can usually be diagnosed easily with a physical exam and laboratory tests if it is suspected. Some of these tests will also be used throughout your treatment to monitor thyroid hormone levels.

The following procedures and tests are often used to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism:

Medical history. The doctor will ask about any symptoms you may have been experiencing, such as fatigue or weakness, and review previous illnesses.
Physical examination. The doctor will look for signs of an enlarged thyroid gland (a goiter) or abnormal nodules or growths on the gland.
Blood test. A thyroid blood test can be used to diagnose thyroid conditions or monitor treatment for thyroid disorders.
Radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU). A test used to monitor how fast and how much iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland.
Thyroid scan. Often performed along with RAIU. Images are taken of the thyroid gland with a gamma camera. Nodules or tumors can be seen and assessed using these images.

2. Get used to taking hormone replacement pills

Hypothyroidism often requires lifelong treatment with thyroid hormone replacement.

People on thyroid replacement therapy require synthetic thyroid hormones to replace the lost natural thyroid hormone. Synthetic thyroid hormones will be administered as pills. You will generally start with the lowest possible dose and then increase the dose gradually until thyroid hormone levels stabilize.

As the therapy begins, your doctor will monitor thyroid hormone levels with periodic thyroid tests. If you are taking these medications you will be advised to refrain from taking calcium or iron supplements within six to 12 hours of your thyroid medication. This is because calcium and iron can interfere with the medication's absorption.

Certain medications can alter the needed dosage, including birth control pills, estrogen, testosterone, anticonvulsants (seizure medications), antidepressants and cholesterol drugs. Some other drugs and supplements may also interact with thyroid hormone therapy, so be sure to tell your doctor everything you take.

You should note that you may require higher doses of thyroid hormone during pregnancy as well as more frequent monitoring.

3. Don't blame yourself, but take action

Little is known about the exact causes of thyroid disease or how to prevent it. Don't blame yourself for causing the condition. There isn't anything you could have done to prevent it.

Early detection, however, is something you can control. Catching hypothyroidism early can significantly affect the severity of the disorder as well as your treatment options. This is especially true among newborns who are born with hypothyroidism, and who may suffer from permanent brain damage if not treated promptly.

Also be careful if you have sibling, parent, aunt or uncle with thyroid disease. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about being screened.

4. Be careful of your heart

Untreated, hypothyroidism has been associated with a number of serious heart conditions, including:

Excess LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke
High blood pressure, which adds strain on the heart and blood vessels
Decreased amount of oxygen-rich blood
Slowed heart rate
Enlarged heart
Heart failure

Stick with your thyroid monitoring and treatment plan, and ask your doctor if you should have any cardiac tests or see a cardiologist.

5. Get your family involved

Some thyroid disorders run in families. If you are diagnosed with any form of thyroid disorder, share this information with your close family members (especially children, siblings, parents, aunts or uncles). Thyroid disorders can significantly impact a person's health before it produces symptoms, so early detection is important.

Discuss your condition with family members and encourage them to talk to their physicians about screening tests for thyroid disorders. Often, all that is needed is a simple blood test and physical examination to detect a thyroid problem.

Plus: Get more coping tips, and share your own, at the Thyroid Conditions message board.