Type 1 Hypothyroidism
is defined as failure of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones necessary to maintain "normal" blood levels of those hormones and "normal" blood levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) produced by the pituitary gland. The TSH test is the standard blood test your doctor checks when looking for hypothyroidism. Around 7% of Americans suffer Type 1 hypothyroidism.


Type 2 Hypothyroidism

is defined as peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones at the cellular level. It is not due to a lack of adequate thyroid hormones. Normal amounts of thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are detected by the blood tests; therefore, blood tests do not detect Type 2 hypothyroidism. Type 2 hypothyroidism is usually inherited. However, environmental toxins may also cause or exacerbate the problem. The pervasiveness of Type 2 hypothyroidism has yet to be recognized by mainstream medicine but is already in epidemic proportions




Adult man with the "obese form" of hypothyroidism. Note the striking resoltion of his puffiness (myxedema) after treatment with desiccated thyroid. Myxedema is the medical term for hypothyroidism. Myx is the Greek word for mucin, which accumulates in hypothyroidism. Edema means swelling.

More here:

http://www.jcrows.com/hypothyroidism.html