Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that occurs when the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of the thyroid hormone known as thyroxine (T4). This causes the body’s system to slow down and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, feeling cold, drowsiness, weight gain due to fluid retention, constipation, increased sensitivity to many medications, dry skin, puffy face, and hair loss. Some tests used to diagnose hypothyroidism are increased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones or thyrotropin through a blood test, estimates of free thyroxine (T4) that is not within normal limits in the blood, and the Anti-thyroid Microsomal Antibodies Testing which may indicate that these antibodies are present and attacking the thyroid cells because there has been thyroid damage. If you would like a second opinion on your treatment and diagnosis contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.