Hillary Clinton, 72, and her health became a top topic of conversation while she campaigned to become the first female US President. Donald Trump played on the health concerns claiming she didn’t have the “mental and physical stamina” to lead America.
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Hillary has been spotted in the past experiencing coughing fits, and speculation over the politician having dysphasia, a neurological condition which effects speech, and Parkinson’s disease have been reported.
While speculation remains over these health claims, one condition the presidential candidate has been reported having is hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
It was first reported Hillary had hypothyroidism in a September 2016 letter from her doctor.
Hillary hasn’t spoken publicly about her thyroid, but in the letter, her doctor wrote: “Mrs Clinton’s current medications include Amour Thyroid…her thyroid blood tests are within normal limits.
“Of note, she has remained stable for many years on Amour thyroid to treat her hypothyroidism…”
So what are the symptoms of hypothyroidism and how is it treated?
Hypothyroidism symptoms
Many of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be mistaken for other conditions.
Symptoms also develop slowly and a person may not realise they have a medical problem for several years.
The NHS lists common symptoms as:
- Tiredness
- Being sensitive to cold
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Slow movements and thoughts
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Dry and scaly skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Loss of libido (sex drive)
- Pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal Tunnel syndrome)
- Irregular periods or heavy periods
The health body adds: “Elderly people with an underactive thyroid may develop memory problems and depression. Children may experience slower growth and development. Teenagers may start puberty earlier than normal.
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“If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid.”
Hypothyroidism treatment
Hillary reportedly takes Armour Thyroid to treat her condition.
The NHS recommends taking daily hormone replacement tablets called levothyroxine.
Levothyroxine replaces the thyroxine hormone which the thyroid doesn’t make enough of.
The health body advises: “If you’re prescribed levothyroxine, you should take one tablet at the same time every day. It’s usually recommended that you take the tablets in the morning, although some people prefer to take them at night.
“The effectiveness of the tablets can be altered by other medications, supplements or foods, so they should be swallowed with water on an empty stomach, and you should avoid eating for 30 minutes afterwards.
“If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if this is within a few hours of your usual time. If you don’t remember until later than this, skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
“An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you’ll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life.”
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