Hypothyroidism
Description
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that looks like a butterfly and is commonly found in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid's function is to produce thyroid hormones, which aid in maintaining appropriate brain, heart, muscle, and other organ function as well as energy metabolism and body temperature.
The thyroid gland is underactive in hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning normally.
Symptoms
There are numerous hypothyroidism symptoms that can differ from person to person. There are a number of classic symptoms of hypothyroidism like :
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Trouble tolerating cold
- Joint and muscle pain
- Dry skin or dry, thinning hair
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor.
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View MoreCauses
Hypothyroidism has several causes, including :
- Hashimoto’s disease
- thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid
- congenital hypothyroidism, or hypothyroidism that is present at birth
- surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid
- radiation treatment of the thyroid
- some medicines
Iodine deficiency or excess in the diet, as well as issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, all contribute to hypothyroidism.
Although hypothyroidism can affect anyone, your chances are increased if you :
- Are a woman
- Have a family history of thyroid disease
- Have an autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease
- Have received treatment for hyperthyroidism
- Received radiation to your neck or upper chest
- Have had thyroid surgery
Diagnostics
- Physical exam & symptoms manifestation
- Medical and family history
- Blood tests :
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) test
- T4 tests
- Hashimoto’s disease
Treatment
Getting and maintaining your TSH in the normal range is the aim of treatment.
- Thyroxine (t4) replacement : These medications can be taken singly or in combination.
- Six to ten weeks after changing your thyroxine dosage, you should have your TSH evaluated.
- If you are pregnant or taking medication that affects how well your body uses thyroxine, you could require testing more frequently.
Curing hypothyroidism is impossible. However, hypothyroidism may be completely treated in all patients.
