Hypothyroidism Overview

Hypothyroidism is a disorder that occurs when your thyroid gland is not able to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. The main purpose of the thyroid hormone is to regulate the body’s metabolism. And the people who suffer from this disorder experience a slower rate of metabolism. Hypothyroidism can result from a problem in the thyroid gland or due to other health problems that may affect the production of thyroid gland indirectly. Because of low thyroid hormone levels, the metabolism decreases, making you feel tired and weak. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, your cholesterol levels might increase, resulting in a greater risk of a having a stroke or a heart disease. Hypothyroidism can also lead to problems in conception among women and may also harm the baby during pregnancy.

 

Hypothyroidism can affect people of any age, but older people are more likely to get affected. Women of age 60 years or more are at greater risk. Anyone with a family history of hypothyroidism is more at risk for it.

Hypothyroidism is mostly caused by a condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is a disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid tissue, which leads to the thyroid gland not producing sufficient thyroid hormone. Other reasons that might result in lesser production of thyroid hormone include surgical removal of the thyroid gland or radiation therapy in case of cancer. Other factors that may lead to hypothyroidism include viral infections and certain drugs, such as lithium.

Anyone showing the below given symptoms can be suspected of suffering from hypothyroidism:

1. Feeling weak, depressed or tired.

2. Brittle nails and dry skin.

3. Unable to withstand cold.

4. Constipation.

5. Having trouble in thinking clearly or memory problems.

6. Irregular or heavy menstrual periods. 

All these symptoms are not noticeable initially and occur with time. They might also be mistaken as part of the normal aging process. The best thing to do is to consult your doctor. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by a simple blood test. The doctor may first ask you certain questions to check any related symptoms. The blood test will show the levels of thyroid hormone in your blood, which will confirm whether you are suffering from hypothyroidism or not.

Hypothyroidism treatment involves replacing the thyroid hormone that the thyroid gland falls short in producing. Your doctor will probably prescribe some pills that will suffice for the inadequacy in the production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Most of the patients start to feel better within a week or so, and the symptoms gradually disappear within a couple of months. But the medication has to be taken throughout. It is very essential to take the medicine as per the directions of your doctor. You will also have to pay regular visits to your doctor for follow ups to make sure that you are taking the proper dosage. If you are getting too little or too much thyroid hormone, it can lead to problems. Some people who suffer from extreme hypothyroidism may experience a rare but deadly disease called myxedema coma.