Hypothyroidism Tests Outsells All Others
London (PRWEB UK) 27 June 2012
Myrios the new testing kit with laboratory analysis was launched recently and the first sets of data show that the most popular test is hypothyroidism and it was mainly requested by women. The two groups most susceptible to hypothyroidism are pregnant and post menopausal women.
What is hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is ten times more common in women than in men and usually occurs over the age of 40. However, it is also very common in pregnancy and immediately after giving birth.
Weight gain is often attributed to an under active thyroid and yet, although hypothyroidism and weight gain are inexorably linked, obesity is rarely caused by hypothyroidism. Weight gain is only one of many effects of hypothyroidism and all can be serious.
Can hypothyroidism be prevented?
No, hypothyroidism cannot be prevented
Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism may include weight gain, depression, water retention, palpitations, constipation, dry skin, slow thinking, feeling the cold, pins and needles.
Causes and Treatment
Hypothyroidism is caused by reduced activity of the thyroid gland, either by being damaged or worn out. Once the gland is affected it does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine, also called T4. Treatment is usually 100% effective and consists of daily thyroid hormone medicine to redress the balance. The thyroid becomes more effective in the summer so even if the symptoms weaken they may come back later in the year.
In older women
Subclinical hypothyroidism (in simple terms, a lower level of hypothyroidism) is more prevalent in older women (affecting 15-18% of women over 60) and, because some of the symptoms are similar to the menopause, it often goes undetected for many years or until it has developed into full hypothyroidism.
In pregnant women or new mothers
Hypothyroidism can occur in pregnancy, when women develop antibodies to their own thyroid and causing an inflammation of the thyroid after delivery. Post partum hypothyroidism affects 10% of pregnant women and tends to develop between 4 – 12 months after delivery. The thyroid usually balances itself naturally without medication, but there is evidence that half of women with this condition will develop permanent hypothyroidism within 7 years.
Hypothyroidism other causes
Certain cancer treatments, genetic disease, too much or too little iodine in the diet can all cause hypothyroidism and, less often, excessive treatment for hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid gland) can damage the thyroid and result in hypothyroidism.
Undetected hypothyroidism
Early detection of hypothyroidism can save further health complications in later life and improve your lifestyle. If it is not treated, hypothyroidism can cause a goitre (a large bulge in the neck), infertility, depression and mental health problems, breathing problems, inability to maintain normal body temperature and heart problems.
The new Over the Counter test for hypothyroidism
Myrios is the first vital step on your care pathway as it is an over the counter testing kit that gives you access from your own home to professional laboratory analysis and reports. Myrios is available in all good pharmacies if they do not have it in stock, they can usually get it in store in a few hours. Alternatively, go to the website http://www.myrios.co.uk. myrios retails from