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What is Iodine and How Does it Relate to Hypothyroidism?
Iodine is an essential trace mineral that is essential to our health. It is naturally found in seaweed, eggs, and other foods. The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which help to regulate growth, metabolism and other bodily functions. When the body doesn’t have enough iodine, it can lead to hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the body’s metabolism slows and can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other health problems.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
When the body lacks sufficient iodine, it can lead to hypothyroidism, which may cause several symptoms. These include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Forgetfulness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Slowed heart rate
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should see your doctor to properly diagnose your condition and confirm hypothyroidism. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition by performing a physical exam and a series of blood tests, which measure your body’s levels of thyroid hormones. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to check for any growths in your neck.
Treatments for Hypothyroidism
Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, the most common treatment is to replace the lost thyroid hormones with synthetic hormones. This is done using medication, which can be taken either in pill form or as a topical cream or injection. In addition to medication, you may need to make changes to your diet, such as increasing iodine-rich foods like eggs, seaweed, and fish. Additionally, you may need to supplement with iodine to make up for any deficiencies.
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