EFN

Many women suffer from a condition called hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. This condition usually affects women who are age 50 and older. Hypothyroidism is characterized by having a thyroid gland that does not produce the necessary amounts of important hormones that the body needs. By not having the proper amount of these hormones, the chemical reactions that take place in the body become unbalanced, which can lead to variety of serious health problems. These medical issues can include obesity, joint pain, heart disease, and even infertility in many women. Women who have an underactive thyroid also present with signs of fatigue, constipation, elevated cholesterol levels, muscle and joint pain, and depression.

Fortunately for sufferers of this disease, it is possible to treat an underactive thyroid. The most commonly prescribed treatment for this condition is the synthetic hormone levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is relatively inexpensive, and has been shown to have no noticeable side effects on the patient. This medication is taken orally, and works to restore the body’s normal hormone levels. At the same time, the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism dissipate. Patients who use levothyroxine to treat the symptoms of underactive thyroid typically must continue this course of treatment for the rest of their lives. This synthetic hormone helps people with hypothyroidism to live a completely normal, healthy life.