Explore everything you need to know about hypothyroidism on this page.
What is Hypothyroidism?
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. It secretes hormones that regulate many metabolic processes, including growth, energy consumption, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland does not produce enough hormones, slowing down the body’s metabolic processes.
What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, and they include:
Persistent fatigue and low energy.
Feeling depressed.
Slowed heart rate.
Unintentional weight gain.
Facial swelling.
Intolerance to cold.
Headache.
Muscle pain.
Dry and rough skin.
Hair loss.
Changes in the menstrual cycle, either heavy or irregular.
Pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the hands and fingers.
Constipation.
Difficulty concentrating.
What Are the Causes of Hypothyroidism?
Certain autoimmune diseases, such as:
Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis.
Congenital hypothyroidism is diagnosed at birth.
Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland.
Radiation treatment to the thyroid gland.
Certain types of medications, such as heart medications, bipolar disorder medications, or cancer treatments.
Who Is Most at Risk for Hypothyroidism.
Women are more prone to the condition.
Adults older than 60 years.
Family history of thyroid disease.
Personal history of thyroid problems, such as thyroid enlargement.
History of thyroid surgery.
History of radiation treatment to the thyroid, neck, or chest.
Pregnancy or having given birth within the previous 6 months.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes.
Those with certain autoimmune diseases, such as:
Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting females.
Sjögren’s syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth.
Rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease affecting joints.
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease.
How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
A doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also request further tests, such as:
Laboratory tests, including blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels in the body.
How Is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Treatment of hypothyroidism involves replacing the hormones that the thyroid gland is no longer able to produce. This is done using synthetic hormone tablets, specifically levothyroxine, which replace the hormones normally produced by the thyroid gland. Blood tests will be conducted after about 6 to 8 weeks of starting the medication to adjust the dosage if necessary.
How Can Hypothyroidism Be Prevented?
Hypothyroidism cannot be prevented. Although hypothyroidism cannot be completely prevented, early detection through awareness of symptoms can reduce complications.
What Are the Complications of Hypothyroidism?
Heart problems; it increases the risk of heart and artery diseases because low thyroid hormone levels (thyroxine) can raise blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits building up in the arteries, obstructing blood flow.
Goiter: an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a noticeable lump in the neck.
Pregnancy complications; if left untreated during pregnancy, hypothyroidism can lead to:
Preeclampsia.
Anemia in the mother.
Hypothyroidism in the child.
Birth defects.
Postpartum bleeding.
Physical and mental developmental issues for the child.
Preterm birth or low birth weight.
Miscarriage or stillbirth.
Myxedema coma, a rare life-threatening complication of Severe hypothyroidism.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you experience unexplained fatigue or other signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hypothyroidism cause high cholesterol levels?
Yes, low thyroid hormone levels (thyroxine) can lead to increased cholesterol levels in the blood.
Does hypothyroidism affect pregnancy?
Yes, if left untreated during pregnancy, hypothyroidism can lead to preeclampsia, anemia in the mother, postpartum bleeding, preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Is it necessary to adjust thyroid medication dosage during pregnancy?
Yes, thyroid hormone needs often increase during pregnancy, so regular monitoring and dose adjustments are necessary under medical supervision.
