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What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid gland, is a clinical disorder in which the thyroid gland does not generate sufficient thyroid hormones to meet the body's requirements. The thyroid gland releases hormones into the body that control how the body utilises energy. In the case of hypothyroidism, the body's functions slow down.

The normal thyroid levels are:

  • T3: 100–200 nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL)
  • T4: 4.5 – 11.2 micrograms per deciliter of blood (mcg/dL)
  • TSH: 0.4 – 5.0 milli-international units per litre (mIU/dL)
Hypothyroidism

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Hypothyroidism symptoms

Hypothyroidism symptoms vary and may develop slowly, initially resembling depression. Common signs include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, constipation, and muscle weakness.

  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Dull facial expressions
  • Hoarse voice
  • Slow speech
  • Droopy eyelids
  • Puffy and swollen face
  • Obesity
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Dry, coarse and sparse hair
  • Coarse, dry, and thickened skin
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Slow pulse rate
  • Muscle cramps
  • Sides of eyebrows thin or fall out
Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Hypothyroidism symptoms in females

Women are more prone to having thyroid disease than men. Hypothyroidism symptoms in females are as follows:

Menstrual problems:

  • It includes very light, heavy, or irregular periods Thyroid disorders can also stop your periods for many months or longer. This is a condition called amenorrhea.
  • When thyroid problems affect the menstrual cycle in a woman, it also disturbs ovulation, thus making it difficult to get pregnant.
  • Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect both the mother and the unborn baby.
  • In a few cases, symptoms of thyroid disease are mistaken for menopause symptoms. Hypothyroidism is more likely to develop after menopause.

Hypothyroidism Causes

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormones. The following conditions or problems can cause hypothyroidism:

  • Autoimmune diseases: In rare cases, the immune system can mistake thyroid cells and enzymes as invaders, leading to a shortage of cells to produce enough thyroid hormones. This condition is more common in females. The main forms of autoimmune thyroiditis are Hashimoto's and atrophic thyroiditis.
  • Thyroidectomy: For conditions like goiter, thyroid cancer, nodules, or Graves' disease, thyroidectomy may be necessary. Complete removal leads to hypothyroidism, while partial removal allows the gland to maintain hormone levels.
  • Radiotherapy: Some cancer patients need to undergo radiotherapy involving the head and neck. This cancer treatment can affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism.
  • Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT): Hypothyroidism arises from ineffective thyroid gland development or function. Some newborns are born without a thyroid gland or have an incomplete one, including cases of ectopic thyroid. Thyroiditis, inflammation of the gland, results from autoimmune attacks or viral infections.
Causes of Hypothyroidism

Risk factors of hypothyroidism

The risk factors involved are -

  • Being a woman
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Thyroid surgery (thyroidectomy)
  • Intake of certain medications
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Hereditary
  • Old age

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis

The correct hypothyroidism test involves the following conditions.

  • Medical history: If you have had any thyroid surgery or thyroid treatment, this may have an impact on the functional ability of your thyroid gland
  • Physical examination: The thyroid specialists will examine your thyroid gland and look for symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin and hair, hoarse voice, droopy eyelids, swollen face, or a slower heart rate.
  • Blood tests (thyroid function test, TFTs), including:
    • TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test
    • T4 tests
  • Imaging tests: Thyroid scan, radioactive iodine uptake test, or ultrasound scan.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: The primary treatment for hypothyroidism involves synthetic thyroid hormone like levothyroxine, effectively managing symptoms and restoring thyroid function.
  • Individualized Dosage Adjustment: Treatment begins with an initial dose based on factors like severity, age, and weight, with adjustments made through regular monitoring to ensure effectiveness and minimise side effects.
  • Consistent Medication Adherence: Consistency in medication intake is crucial, as missed doses or inconsistent usage can worsen symptoms due to fluctuating thyroid hormone levels.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep can complement medical treatment for hypothyroidism, promoting overall well-being.
  • Avoiding Interference with Medications: Consult a healthcare professional before altering medications or supplements to prevent potential interactions and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Prevention of Hypothyroidism

  • Maintain a Balanced Diet: Consume foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc like seafood, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to support thyroid function and reduce hypothyroidism risk.
  • Manage Stress: Practise stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies to support thyroid health.
  • Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activity to support metabolism and overall well-being with a mix of cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility exercises.
  • Limit Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Minimise exposure to pollutants, pesticides, and heavy metals that can interfere with thyroid function by using natural cleaning products and filtering drinking water.
  • Check Thyroid Function Regularly: Periodic blood tests can detect thyroid dysfunction early, especially with a family history or risk factors.
  • Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking or avoid secondhand smoke to reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Adopt a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of thyroid dysfunction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing treatment. Once diagnosed, it can be managed effectively with medication, and most individuals will need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives.

Hypothyroidism affects various organs and systems in the body. The most notable impacts are on the thyroid gland itself, as it fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. However, the condition can also affect the heart, brain, skin, metabolism, and other organs, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive issues.

Yes, individuals with hypothyroidism can live normal and fulfilling lives with proper medical management. Once diagnosed and receiving appropriate treatment, most people experience a significant improvement in symptoms and can maintain their overall health and well-being.

Hypothyroidism is usually a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management, but with treatment, including hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes, symptoms can be effectively controlled.

Hypothyroidism can be caused by autoimmune diseases (such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis), thyroid surgery, radiation therapy, certain medications, and iodine deficiency.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, muscle weakness, and depression.

Hypothyroidism is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

Maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting exposure to environmental toxins can help support thyroid health and manage symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the baby, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and developmental issues. It's important for pregnant women with hypothyroidism to receive appropriate medical care and monitoring.

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