Hypothyroidism (hypothyroid): causes, symptoms & treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism or more commonly known as hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck. Its job is to produce the hormones tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control how the body works in using energy.

How common is hypothyroid disease?

People of any age can develop hypothyroidism, but the elderly are more prone to this condition. Women over 60 years of age have the highest risk for developing hypothyroidism. You are also more likely to have this hypothyroid disease if it runs in your family.

However, hypothyroidism can be treated by reducing the trigger factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition of a lack of thyroid hormone in the body. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism that appear usually vary depending on how badly your body is deficient in thyroid hormone. But generally, the problems that arise will tend to develop slowly, over the years.

At first, you may rarely notice the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain. You may feel that these symptoms are a common symptom that is felt as a person gets older. However, hypothyroidism causes your metabolism to slow down. The slowing down of your metabolism may give you more obvious signs and symptoms. Signs of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Gaining weight
• Swollen face
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Increased blood cholesterol levels
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Menstrual bleeding that is heavier than usual or irregular
• Thinning hair
• Heart rate slows down
• Depression
• Memory problems

If hypothyroidism is not treated, the signs and symptoms may gradually become more serious. The constant stimulation of the thyroid gland to produce more hormones will cause an enlarged thyroid (goiter). Additionally, you may become more forgetful, take a long time in thought processes or become depressed.

In some cases, hypothyroidism can progress to an advanced stage known as myxedema. Although it is a rare condition, it can be life threatening if it occurs. Signs and symptoms can include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, lower body temperature, unresponsiveness, and even coma.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop a hypothyroid condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies. For that, talk to your doctor immediately to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when your body, in which case your thyroid gland, is unable to produce hormones effectively. As a result, the balance of chemical reactions in the body can be disturbed. There may be several causes, including autoimmune disease, medications for hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, and certain medications.

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), have a major impact on health and will affect all aspects of your metabolism. Thyroid hormones maintain the speed at which the body uses fat and carbohydrates, help control body temperature, affect heart rate, and regulate protein production.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism can be caused by several factors, including:

Autoimmune disease

People who have a certain inflammatory disorder, called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, have a major cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system produces antibodies that attack your body's own tissues. Sometimes this process involves the thyroid gland.

Treatments for hyperthyroidism

People who produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) are often treated with anti-thyroid drugs to reduce and normalize thyroid function. However, in some cases, treatment for hyperthyroidism can lead to permanent hypothyroidism.

Thyroid surgery

Removing all or most of the thyroid gland can interfere with hormone production. In such cases, you will need to use external thyroid hormone for life.

Radiation therapy

Radiation to treat cancer of the head and neck can affect the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism.

Certain medications

Various drugs can play a role in hypothyroidism. One drug is lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.

Triggers

What increases my risk for hypothyroidism?

There are many trigger factors for hypothyroidism, namely:

• Women over 60 years of age
• Have an autoimmune disease
• Have a family history of thyroid disease
• Have another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, a chronic inflammatory condition
• Has been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid drugs
• Received radiation to the neck or upper chest
• Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
• Have been pregnant or have given birth to a baby within the last 6 months
  

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects that you have this condition, a physical examination will be performed and the doctor will recommend various tests. Blood tests are always used to confirm a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or mild hypothyroidism. The most commonly used tests are:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test
• Thyroxine (T4) measurement

If the above tests are abnormal, an antithyroid antibody test can determine whether you have autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis or not. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition in which the body's defense system attacks the thyroid gland.

A CT or MRI scan of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland may also be done to see changes in these areas of the brain.

How to treat hypothyroidism?

It is believed that the standard treatment for hypothyroidism includes the use of the artificial thyroid hormone, levothyroxine. This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, improving symptoms of hypothyroidism.

To determine the correct dose for levothyroxine use, your doctor will check your TSH level after 2-3 months. Excess hormone levels can cause side effects, such as:

• Increased appetite
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations
• Shaky

If you have severe coronary artery disease or hypothyroidism, your doctor will start treatment with a small amount and increase it gradually. Progressive hormone replacement helps the heart adjust to increased metabolism.

Certain medications, supplements, and some foods can affect the ability to absorb levothyroxine. Talk to your doctor if you are consuming large amounts of soy products or a high-fiber diet, or other medications, such as:

• Iron supplements or multivitamins that contain iron
• Cholestyramine
• Aluminum hydroxide, which is found in several antacids
• Calcium supplement

If you have subclinical hypothyroidism, discuss possible treatments with your doctor. For a relatively mild increase in TSH, you may not benefit from thyroid hormone therapy, instead the treatment can be dangerous. For higher TSH levels, thyroid hormone can increase cholesterol levels, heart pumping ability, and energy levels.

Prevention

What can I do to prevent and treat hypothyroidism?

Although you can't prevent hypothyroidism, you can watch for signs of the disease so that they can be treated immediately before they get worse. Some people who are at high risk for hypothyroidism but have no symptoms may have tests to see if they have mild or subclinical hypothyroidism.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.