Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It is quite a common disorder, whereby the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone. This gland is found in the lower front part of the neck. This gland releases hormones, which travel throughout the body and affect every cell.
Hypothyroidism Causes:
There are various causes for hypothyroidism. However, the most common is known as "Hashimoto's thyroiditis", which means that the thyroid gland is inflamed due to an autoimmune disorder. This means that the thyroid gland comes under attack from naturally produced antibodies. Sometimes, a viral infection is the cause of this form of hypothyroidism, in which case it can be cured.
Other possible causes of hypothyroidism include:
Having an iodine deficiency.
Being pregnant.
Having congenital thyroid problems.
A disorder of or damage to the pituitary gland.
A disorder of the hypothalamus.
A malfunctioning thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism Signs and Symptoms:
It is common for the symptoms of hypothyroidism to be missed, or to be confused for a range of other conditions first. Unfortunately, it often takes quite some time before someone is properly diagnosed.
Symptoms to be aware of include:
Changes in menstrual cycle
Frequent constipation
Depression
Losing hair, or hair drying out
Feeling extreme fatigue
Being more sensitive to cold temperatures
Having a relative slow heart rate
Goiter, which means the thyroid gland swells up
Finding it difficult to lose weight despite diet and exercise, or gaining weight for no reason
It is also important, if you are a parent, to be aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in children. It is quite uncommon for children to develop hypothyroidism, and even rare for babies but if they do have it, they are often asymptomatic. Nevertheless, there are some signs and symptoms sometimes seen in the very young that could be indicative of a thyroid problem, although they could also point to a variety of other problems.
These include:
Having persisting cold feet and hands
Being constipated
Being extremely sleepy
Having a very hoarse cry
Not growing according to expectations, or even at all
Being very floppy due to poor muscle tone
Being persistently jaundiced, meaning the whites of their eyes and their skin look yellow
Having very complex feeding habits
Puffy face
Bloated stomach
Swollen tongue
Hypothyroidism Treatments:
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, a physician will start by prescribing T4, which is a synthetic copy of the natural thyroid hormone. You will have to take this medication daily, generally for the rest of your life. Unfortunately, there are various medications that have a direct effect on how well T4 can be absorbed by the body. This is why it is vital that your physician knows not just about medication that you are currently prescribed, but also any over the counter remedies, herbal remedies, or supplements that you take. Once you are diagnosed, you will have regular tests to see if your hormone levels are in check, and your medication will be adjusted accordingly.
Other possible treatments include:
Radiation therapy to the neck
Radioactive treatment with iodine
Certain kinds of medications, including interleukin-2, interferon alpha, lithium, and amiodarone (Cordarone)
Thyroid surgery