Hypothyroid describes a situation in which a person does not have sufficient thyroid hormones. Cretinism is a form of hypothyroidism in infants.

According to research and reports, there is a growing population of people with low thyroid. Iodine deficiency is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. It can also be caused by inadequate lithium and imbalances in other hormone systems.
There are many symptoms associated with low thyroid levels:

• Brain Fog/inattentiveness
• Bradycardia/Slow Heart Rate
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Sluggish reflexes
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath.
• Increased need for sleep
• Irritability & mood instability
• Yellowing of the skin
• Impaired renal (kidney) function
• Elevated serum cholesterol
• Acute psychosis
• Decreased libido (sex drive)
• Decreased sense of taste & smell
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Low core body temperature
• Impaired memory
• Poor muscle tone
• Fatigue
• Cold intolerance
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Depression
• Muscle cramps & joint pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Goiter
• Thin, brittle hair & fingernails
• Paleness
• Osteoporosis
• Decreased sweating
• Dry, itchy skin
• Weight gain & water retention
• Constipation
• Slow speech & a hoarse, breaking voice
• Dry puffy skin, especially on the face
• Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows
• Enlarged Breasts in Males
• Puffy face, hands & feet

Hypothyroid conditions are treated with thyroid supplements containing either/and T3 (liothyronie) and T4 (levothyroxine). Both synthetic and animal-derived thyroid tablets are available and can be prescribed for patients in need of additional thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is taken daily, and doctors can monitor blood levels to help assure proper dosing.