Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder of the thyroid gland. In hypothyroidism the tiny gland located in our neck underfunctions and does not produce the necessary thyroid hormone.
What is the Hypothyroidism?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. The hormones it secretes affect the way our body uses energy and consequently every organ of the body. When the thyroid is underfunctioning, i.e. it does not release enough hormone, then we refer to hypothyroidism.
Who does hypothyroidism affect?
Hypothyroidism affects both sexes, all ages and nationalities. But it seems to show a preference for women and people over 60. In our country, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 people who show a disorder of the functioning of the thyroid gland suffer from hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism & Causes
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto's in which your immune system attacks the thyroid. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by:
- over response to drug therapy for hyperthyroidism.
- thyroid surgery.
- radiation therapy.
- some types of medicine.
Less commonly, hypothyroidism can be due to:
- congenital disease, as some people are born without a thyroid or with a defective thyroid gland.
- disorder of the pituitary gland which cannot produce enough TSH hormone.
- pregnancy during which some women develop hypothyroidism.
- iodine deficiency.
Hypothyroidism & Symptoms
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be different from person to person, and some of them may resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as fatigue.
The most common symptoms that indicate the existence of the disease are:
- feeling tired
- increased weight
- intolerance to cold
- dry skin – thin hair
- heavy or irregular periods in women
Subclinical Hypothyroidism
By the term subclinical hypothyroidism we refer to an early stage of the disease when the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is marginally high, while the free thyroxine is at normal levels. At this stage there are no symptoms, and for this reason it is called subclinical hypothyroidism. Its frequency in the population is quite high, it mainly affects women, it has a hereditary predisposition, while it increases with age. Subclinical hypothyroidism can develop into hypothyroidism, but it can also go away.
Diagnosis
Thyroid function is included in the regular check ups of adults. However, your doctor may also recommend further testing if you feel increasingly tired, have constipation, have noticed an increase in your weight or have been experiencing problems with your thyroid.
At your visit, the doctor will take your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order blood and imaging tests.
The diagnosis will be based on all of the above, taking into account the results of blood tests (TSH and thyroxine).
High TSH levels and low thyroxine levels mean an underactive thyroid.
Treatment
The treatment of hypothyroidism is based on replacing the hormone that is necessary for the body to function (thyroxine) and your body is unable to produce. It is a medicinal substance identical to the hormone synthesized by the body.
The medication is usually given in pills, while the tests are repeated until the appropriate dose is individualized for each case.
In the vast majority of cases, treatment for hypothyroidism is lifelong.
Nutrition and Hypothyroidism
There may be an impression that hypothyroidism needs its own diet, however scientific opinion holds that there is no special diet for hypothyroidism. That is, there is no evidence that any particular diet will improve thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism or vice versa. Like any person, those with hypothyroidism can enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet.
Frequent Questions
Is it true that I will gain weight if I have hypothyroidism?
Can hypothyroidism cause erectile dysfunction?
Can hypothyroidism go away on its own?
Does hypothyroidism affect my psychology?
Bibliography
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism#causes
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264388
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554#:~:text=Generally%2C%20there's%20no%20hypothyro