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Hypothyroidism Research Paper

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Hypothyroidism is the result of the thyroid gland not secreting adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. With this condition, all metabolic processes slow down. Hypothyroidism originates from various causes. It can be autoimmune in nature when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. A pituitary disorder in which the pituitary fails to produce enough TSH has also been reported to be the cause of hypothyroidism. There are other causes noted to result in hypothyroidism such as iodine deficiency, pregnancy, and a thyroidectomy which is the removal of the thyroid glands. During my clinical rotation in the orthopedic unit, I cared for a patient who has a diagnosis of hypothyroidism and has had a thyroidectomy in the past. …show more content…

Other symptoms may include constipation, dry skin, and thinning hair. A masklike expression and puffiness in the face is noted with hypothyroidism. The voice may be low-pitched and hoarse. Some women have reported irregular menses also. Numbness and tingling unrelieved by position changes, and edema in the extremities is reported. The patient I observed with hypothyroidism complained of fatigue and tiredness. She kept her room air warm to prevent chills. Her face presented with puffiness in the cheeks and around her eyes. She had slight non-pitting edema in the distal portion of her lower extremities and her ankles. She also mentioned working to keep her weight healthy with a healthy diet because it was easy for her to retain

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