What is hypothyroidism?
Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland and results in insufficient thyroid hormone production. The thyroid hormone has a significant impact on metabolism and other bodily functions. The metabolic system functions more slowly in people with hypothyroidism, which leads to a number of issues.
Women are ten times more likely than men to suffer from hypothyroidism. Children may also develop the condition.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
As hypothyroidism develops, symptoms may not be noticeable, as they are often a natural result of ageing. For example, weight gain and fatigue.
However, as the condition progresses, further signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may develop, including:
- Dry skin
- Sensitivity to cold
- Thinning hair/brittle hair
- Pain in the joints
- Stiffness or swelling in the joints
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Weakness/aching in the muscles
- General fatigue
- Constipation
- Depression
What causes hypothyroidism?
There are several reasons why the thyroid gland may not produce enough thyroid hormone, such as:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which the body targets its own tissues.
- Treatment for hyperthyroidism. The goal of treatment for people who overproduce thyroid hormone is to decrease thyroid function. Permanent hypothyroidism, however, may result from the treatment.
- Radiation. The thyroid gland may be impacted by radiation therapy used to treat head and neck cancer, which raises the possibility of thyroid disorders.
- A specific drug. Certain medications, like lithium, which is frequently used to treat mental illnesses, can result in hypothyroidism.
How can it be prevented?
Hypothyroidism can happen to anyone and cannot be avoided. Nonetheless, there are some risk factors, and knowing the symptoms can aid in a prompt diagnosis.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women over 60 and six months after giving birth or pregnancy.The likelihood of getting thyroid disease or autoimmune disease can also be raised by a family history of the condition. Individuals who have had thyroid surgery to remove or partially remove the thyroid gland, as well as those who have received radiation therapy in the upper chest or neck region, are also more vulnerable.
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism?
The goal of treatment for hypothyroidism is to increase thyroid hormone levels. Hormone replacement therapy, which is typically taken for the rest of one’s life, is typically used to accomplish this. However, patients can lead normal, healthy lives with hormone replacement therapy.
Correct treatment of hypothyroidism is crucial. Medical complications like heart disease and goitre (enlarged thyroid) may result from the condition if treatment is not received.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
The most reliable method of determining whether you have hypothyroidism is to have a blood test that measures your hormone levels. It examines blood levels of thyroixine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
If your blood TSH level is high and your T4 level is low, it may indicate that your thyroid is underactive. You may be at risk of developing an underactive thyroid in the future if the blood test results indicate that your TSH level is elevated but your T4 level is normal.
What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?
Hormone levels are the primary distinction between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hormone production rises in hyperthyroidism and falls in hypothyroidism.
Patients with hyperthyroidism may feel anxious rather than depressed, have more energy rather than less, and lose weight rather than gain it.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism, on the other hand, include a slowed metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, and a reduction in body functions.
Is hypothyroidism genetic?
Hypothyroidism may run in families and be inherited. Congenital hypothyroidism is the term for it when it is inherited.
About five days after birth, all newborns in the UK are examined for congenital hypothyroidism. The condition affects about 3,500 newborns and is more common in girls than in boys.
What is the prevalence of hypothyroidism?
According to estimates from 2019, 2% of UK citizens suffer from an underactive thyroid.
It was discovered that postmenopausal women had the highest incidence.
Which specialist treats hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is diagnosed and treated by endocrinologists, thryroidologists, and certain general practitioners.