Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism refers to a common condition where the sufficient creation and release of thyroid hormone takes place into the bloodstream.  This happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones as per the requirement of the body. The thyroid is a small gland whose location is in the front of the neck. The metabolism mechanism of the body slows down due to this low amount of hormone in the bloodstream. Consequently, weight gain is among the most common Hypothyroidism symptoms. Another name of Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. Besides weight gain, other common symptoms of this condition are the inability to tolerate coldness and feeling of tiredness. The main Hypothyroidism treatment is a therapy known as hormone replacement therapy.

What is Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs due to the thyroid gland. In this condition, the production of appropriate levels of some hormones does not take place by this gland.

In the early stages, Hypothyroidism symptoms may not be noticeable. Over time, these symptoms, over time, can take the shape of several health problems. Most importantly, such health problems are heart disease, infertility, joint pain, and obesity.

To diagnose this condition, various accurate thyroid function tests are available. Fortunately, the Hypothyroidism treatment is safe, simple, and effective once the right medication is identified for a person by a doctor.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

There is a variation in the Hypothyroidism symptoms in accordance with the severity of the hormone deficiency. Moreover, some health problems in this condition may develop at a slower rate. In some cases, these problems can take a number of years to develop.

The Hypothyroidism symptoms at first may be barely noticeable. Due to this Hypothyroidism treatment often does not difficult early.

Moreover, people may confuse them as signs of getting older. However, as the rate of metabolism continues to drop, the development of more obvious problems may take place.

The signs and symptoms of this condition are as follows:

• Weight gain or obesity
• Fatigue
• Increase in the sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Impairment of memory
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Elevation of the level of blood cholesterol
• Puffiness in the face
• Menstrual periods that are irregular or more than normal
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Tenderness, stiffness, and aches of muscles
• Swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints
• Thinning of the hair
• Slowing of the heart rate
• Depression
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre)

Hypothyroidism Causes

Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Below is a discussion of Hypothyroidism causes:

• Autoimmune disease: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common Hypothyroidism causes.  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune disorder. Such autoimmune disorders occur due to the antibodies production which attacks body tissues, including the thyroid gland.
• Over-response to hyperthyroidism treatment: Treatment of this condition may take place with anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine. The goal of these treatments is the normalization of thyroid function. However, correction of hyperthyroidism can sometimes result in excessive thyroid hormone reduction that causes permanent hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid surgery: Removal of the entire or a part of the thyroid gland can cause reduction of hormone production or can halt it completely. Individuals who suffer from this condition require thyroid hormone for life.
• Radiation therapy: The use of radiation takes place for head and neck cancer treatment. Such radiation treatment may also be one of the Hypothyroidism causes. This is because it affects the thyroid gland, which in turn may cause this condition.
• Medications: Certain medications can be a cause of this condition. Lithium is one such medication that is used to treat various psychiatric disorders. Such medication may negatively affect the thyroid gland, thereby leading to this condition.

What are the Risk Factors of Hypothyroidism?

Any individual may develop this condition. However,  its risk increases in the following cases:

• If the individual is a woman
• The individual is more than the age of 60
• There is a family history of this condition
• Suffering from an autoimmune disease like celiac disease  or type 1 diabetes
• Treatment takes place with anti-thyroid medications  or radioactive iodine
• Application of radiation to the neck or upper chest region
• If the individual had been through a thyroid surgery, also known as partial thyroidectomy
• If a woman is pregnant or has been through baby delivery within the past six months

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Hypothyroidism may take place when a doctor performs a physical examination.   During this physical examination, the doctor may look for certain symptoms like dry skin, obesity, paleness of skin etc. Moreover, the doctor may also ask to enquire about whether the individuals have conditions like fatigue or constipation.

Diagnosis of this condition mainly relied on blood tests. Furthermore, these blood tests measure the level of the thyroid hormone thyroxine and the level of TSH. Most noteworthy, an underactive thyroid is indicated by a high level of TSH and a low level of thyroxine.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Hypothyroidism has a tendency of becoming a serious life-threatening condition if proper medical treatment is not provided. Moreover, if Hypothyroidism treatment does not happen, the following severe symptoms can occur:

• Development of mental health problems
• Development of heart problems
• Having breathing problem
• Inability to maintain a body temperature that is normal.
• Developing a goitre, in which the thyroid gland enlarges

In most cases, Hypothyroidism treatment takes place by the replacement of the hormone amount that’s no longer being produced. Moreover, this can take place with medication.

Most noteworthy, the most common medication here is levothyroxine. When consumed orally, the production of the amount of thyroid hormone increases due to medication. Consequently, the hormone levels are evened out.

One thing to remember here is that this condition is quite manageable. However, for this to happen, the patient must take to medication on a regular basis to normalize the number of hormones. The doctor may require the patients to take this medication for their entire life.

With careful management, the patient of this condition may enjoy a normal and healthy life.  Most importantly, one must make regular follow-up appointments with the doctor to ensure that everything is going fine.

FAQs on Hypothyroidism

Question 1: Is hypothyroidism during pregnancy a serious condition?

Answer 1: Yes, this condition during pregnancy, if not treated in time, can be harmful to the mother and baby. However, some thyroid medicines are safe to consume during pregnancy and they help prevent problems.

Question 2: Can Hypothyroidism be prevented?

Answer 2: Unfortunately, this is a condition whose prevention is not possible. However, one can prevent the development of serious symptoms of this condition. The best way of prevention is t keep a keen eye on signs of hypothyroidism and to immediately seek medical attention on noticing them.

Question 3: When should one see a doctor for hypothyroidism?

Answer 3: One should see a doctor for this condition on experiencing tiredness without any genuine reason. Other signs of this condition for which one needs to see a doctor are hoarseness in voice, dryness in skin, puffiness in the face, paleness in the face, or constipation.