Hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes, treatment

What is hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the so-called thyroid (from Latin thyreoidea - "thyroid") hormones.

These hormones play a critical role in metabolism and regulate a wide variety of processes, from heart rate to intestinal motility. If hormones are not enough, the processes are slowed down by Hypothyroidism. The body starts to malfunction.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism

The lack of thyroid hormones makes itself felt gradually. The first and most common signs are constant fatigue and weight gain. The problem is that often people ignore them - they write off them for laziness or, let's say, for natural age-related changes.

Most often, hypothyroidism affects women over 40 years of age. Up to 60% of people with thyroid disease are unaware General Information / Press Room | American Thyroid Association that the cause of the ailment lies in hormones.

But changes in the body accumulate and, in addition to the first two, other symptoms of Hypothyroidism appear - Symptoms and causes. Here they are:

chilliness, hypersensitivity to cold;
muscle weakness, fatigue;
swelling of the face, legs and arms;
regular constipation;
slow heart rate (lower heart rate than normal);
dry skin;
brittle nails and hair;
more frequent and seemingly unreasonable pain in muscles and joints;
irregular or painful periods;
memory and concentration disorders;
depressed mood up to the development of depression;
high cholesterol levels, in older people this is often the only Hypothyroidism symptoms and signs in an older person a clear sign of hypothyroidism;
hoarseness - occurs when the thyroid gland, which cannot cope with the production of hormones, begins to grow and squeezes the trachea;
increasing swelling in the neck - goiter.

Where does hypothyroidism come from?

There is an opinion that disorders in the thyroid gland are associated with a lack of iodine. Sometimes it really is Hypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes so. But if you suspect you have hypothyroidism, do not try to take supplements with this trace element without the appointment of an endocrinologist. With a reduced activity of the thyroid gland, "vitamins" will not improve, but worsen your condition.

However, it is hardly a matter of iodine deficiency. If you eat well, then, most likely, you get a sufficient amount of this trace element, which means you should not sin on it.

Most often, hypothyroidism occurs Hypothyroidism - Symptoms and causes due to autoimmune processes: when your body, for some reason, begins to produce antibodies that attack its own organs and tissues. Why this is happening, scientists have not yet fully figured out.

Pregnancy, certain medications, radiation therapy, pituitary tumors (this gland in the brain controls the thyroid gland), and even heredity can also lead to thyroid disorders. Which of the reasons led to hypothyroidism in your case can only be determined by a qualified doctor.

How to treat hypothyroidism

The first and important point - in no case do not self-medicate. Other illnesses, such as diabetes, can be hidden behind the first signs of hypothyroidism. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment.

If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, see a physician. The doctor will examine you, ask you about your well-being, lifestyle, symptoms, family conditions, medications you are taking, and give you a referral for blood and urine tests. If the test result shows that the level of thyroid hormones is really not all right, you will receive a referral to an endocrinologist.

Do not try to decipher the test results yourself - this is a difficult task that requires experience and qualifications.

The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). However, their reduced level is not enough to make a correct diagnosis. To assess the condition of the thyroid gland, together with the thyroid hormone test, an analysis is made for the pituitary hormone (thyroid stimulating hormone, TSH). Diagnosis is based on a combination of T4, T3, TSH levels.

If hypothyroidism is confirmed, the doctor will prescribe pills with synthetic thyroxine and select the daily dose that is right for you. Do not self-medicate and do not experiment with drugs: exceeding the level of T4 is no better than its deficiency. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) often results in insomnia, nervousness, irritability, increased appetite, and heart palpitations.

In some cases, Goiter & Thyroid Nodules require surgical removal of the thyroid gland - one of its lobes or all of it. It is recommended if the goiter has reached such a size that it interferes with breathing, or if the doctor suspects the development of a tumor (benign or malignant). After the operation, you will again be prescribed thyroxine to bring your hormone levels back to normal.