Hypothyroidism is a condition resulting from decreased production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms vary between individuals. According to statistics, more than 200,000 cases per year in the US are affected by this common condition.
BY: GUY JABBAR
Many victims of hypothyroidism can often have a long undiagnosed illness, claims patients who later discovered they had a malfunctioning thyroid gland. This condition is so easily missed because of its subtle and not so clear symptoms that could be attributed to many other factors.
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity.
Recent studies show, medical professionals today are clearly more knowledgeable about this complicated condition than they were in the past.
So, as a result of modern technology, there’s a greater chance of you receiving the best possible treatment.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Hypothyroidism in children could lead to: Delayed and poor growth, Delayed puberty, Poor mental development
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland—a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that sits across the front of your windpipe—does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can cause symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, depression, and more.
A healthy thyroid is just a little bigger than a quarter. Its main function is to make hormones that help:
- Control your bodies temperature
- Affect how quickly you burn calories
- Keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working properly
The thyroid gland affects every one of your cells, tissues, and organs. It directly affects 11 different systems in the body which include: Bones and bone growth, Blood sugar metabolism, Brain, Gallbladder, Cardiovascular system, Intestines, Liver, Maintaining Proper Weight, Protein metabolism, Red blood cell metabolism, and Cholesterol and other fats in the blood.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This condition is also called underactive thyroid.
On the other hand, when the thyroid makes too much hormone it is called hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. But over time, hypothyroidism that isn’t treated can lead to other health problems, such as high cholesterol and heart problems.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Hypothyroidism is more common in females ages 50 and older. Reportedly, 1 woman in 8 will have a thyroid disorder during her life.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms?
Patients with hypothyroidism would often cite symptoms like weight gain, puffy face, fatigue, dry skin, cold sensitivity, yet many doctors would dismiss these symptoms because of a lack of testing or believability of their patients.
Many patients claim that hypothyroidism could make you feel irritable, nervous, have muscle weakness, weight loss, along with trouble sleeping, among other symptoms.
NOTE: Studies have shown that up to 25% of women suffering from infertility or repeated miscarriages have hypothyroidism.
What are early warning signs of thyroid problems that may cause concern? Here’s 20 Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
- Puffy looking face
- Tiredness (Fatigue)
- Dry and scaly skin
- Dry hair or hair loss
- Brittle hair and nails
- Low-pitched and hoarse voice
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Weight gain
- Increased blood cholesterol level
- Constipation
- Depression
- Memory
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Slow heart rate (Bradycardia)
- Low sex drive (libido)
- Pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Hearing loss
NOTE: Bradycardia, also known as bradyarrhythmia; slow heart rate. Sometimes bradycardia may signify an underlying health condition. These conditions include Hypothyroidism and Sleep Apnea.
Can Hypothyroidism be cured?
Hypothyroidism can last for years or be lifelong. There is no cure for an underactive thyroid.
However, the condition can be successfully managed with medication; but sometimes surgery is required to remove part or all of the thyroid.
Today, treatment for your underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is usually treated by taking daily hormone replacement tablets called levothyroxine (Synthroid).
Levothyroxine replaces the thyroxine hormone, which is produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and development.
WHAT YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW: People with hypothyroidism can often lose or manage weight through dietary changes, physical activity, and stress reduction.
This hormone also plays a crucial role in maintaining your body’s overall balance and keeping you healthy. Here’s 4 more important roles of the thyroxine hormone:
- Rate at which your body burns calories
- How fast your heart beats
- How much you weigh
- How much energy you have
What happens if Hypothyroidism goes untreated?
If an underactive thyroid is not treated, people with long-term severe hypothyroidism may experience a rare condition known as myxedema coma.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Women with hypothyroidism may be at increased risk of death from other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cerebrovascular diseases—such as blood clots or artery blockages.
Myxedema coma causes a slowed heart rate, change in mental state, heart disease, nerve damage, and hypothermia (low body temperature), which can even be fatal if not treated promptly.
However, people who discover this condition in its early stages may be successfully treated for hypothyroidism and expect to reach a normal life expectancy.
Bottom Line
Hypothyroidism is a very common disorder which affects over 200,000 people per year in the U.S. Having several of these symptoms or they are new, worsening or severe, you should really take it seriously.
Fortunately, if you are aware of the early warning signs of this condition, it is generally treatable with inexpensive medications. Your doctor could help you take charge of a thyroid condition and greatly improve your quality of life.
If you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism, please contact your primary doctor or a healthcare provider.
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