Everything you need to know about Hypothyroidism is that it affects more women than men
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which there is an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone present in the bloodstream, which results in a sluggish metabolic rate.
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed when the thyroid gland is unable to produce and secrete an adequate amount of thyroid hormone into the body. This causes your metabolism to slow down, which has repercussions throughout your body. Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid disease, is a condition that affects a significant number of people. Myxoedema is the medical term that describes when your thyroid levels are exceedingly low.
How does the thyroid function?
Located in the front of your neck, just below the voice box, the thyroid gland is a tiny, butterfly-shaped structure (larynx). The thyroid’s primary function is to regulate metabolism. The process by which your body converts food into the energy it needs to function is known as metabolism. T4 and T3 are produced by the thyroid and regulate your metabolism. These hormones instruct the body’s cells on how much energy to use throughout the entire body. Your heart rate and body temperature are under their control.
When your thyroid is functioning properly, it continuously produces hormones, releases them, and then produces new hormone levels to replace those that have been utilised. This keeps all of your body’s systems in check and your metabolism running smoothly. The pituitary gland, which is found in the centre of the skull beneath the brain, regulates the quantity of thyroid hormones present in the blood. Thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, is adjusted by the pituitary gland and sent to the thyroid to correct any imbalances when it detects either too little or too much thyroid hormone.
The entire body is affected if the level of thyroid hormones is either excessively high (hyperthyroidism) or excessively low (hypothyroidism).
What are the symptoms that indicate Hypothyroidism?
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Irregular periods
- Brittle nails
- Hair loss
- Constipation
- Experiencing numbness and tingling in hands
What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: an autoimmune disease that damages the thyroid gland and impairs its ability to produce hormones.
- Thyroid removal: surgery to remove the thyroid gland (total or partial thyroidectomy) can cause hypothyroidism.
- Radiation therapy: exposure to ionizing radiation, used in the treatment of certain cancers, can damage the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism.
- Iodine deficiency: the thyroid gland requires iodine to produce hormones, and a lack of iodine in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism.
- Medications: certain medications, such as amiodarone and lithium, can interfere with thyroid hormone production and cause hypothyroidism.
- Congenital hypothyroidism: some new-borns are born with an underactive thyroid, which can be due to genetic mutations, missing or incomplete thyroid glands, or hormonal imbalances.
What results in hypothyroidism during pregnancy?
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can result from various causes, including autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, inadequate iodine intake, or the effect of certain medications. It can also occur as a result of the natural changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, or due to the formation of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. In some cases, it may also be congenital, meaning the woman is born with an underactive thyroid.
How can Hypothyroidism be identified?
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. Some common tests include:
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test: measures the amount of TSH in the blood, which indicates the level of thyroid hormone. High levels of TSH and low levels of thyroid hormone may indicate hypothyroidism.
- T4 test: measures the level of thyroxine (T4), the main thyroid hormone, in the blood. Low levels of T4 indicate hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid antibody test: measures the presence of antibodies in the blood that may be attacking the thyroid gland, causing autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Treatment options for Hypothyroidism
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy with a daily dose of levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4). The goal of treatment is to replace the missing thyroid hormone and normalize the levels in the blood. In addition to medication, lifestyle modifications such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, and avoiding exposure to excessive radiation may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.