About Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
The disease causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Autoimmune disease: The most common cause is Hashimoto's disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and decreased hormone production.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland can result in leakage of stored hormones, causing temporary thyrotoxicosis (high hormone levels) followed by hypothyroidism.
- Congenital hypothyroidism: Some individuals are born with an underactive thyroid gland, which can lead to mental and physical growth issues.
- Surgical removal of the thyroid: If all or part of the thyroid gland is surgically removed, it can result in decreased hormone production.
- Radiation therapy: Treatment for certain cancers involving radiation to the head and neck area can damage the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism.
- Medications and treatment side effects: Certain medications, such as lithium and amiodarone, can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Non-modifiable risk factors for hypothyroidism cannot be changed or controlled. These include:
- Age: Being over the age of 60 increases the risk.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men.
- Family history: Having a family history of thyroid conditions increases the risk.
Modifiable risk factors for hypothyroidism can be influenced or changed. These include:
- Iodine imbalance: Consuming too little or too much iodine in the diet can contribute to hypothyroidism.
- Certain health conditions: Conditions like diabetes, lupus, and Celiac disease can increase the risk.
- Previous radiation treatment or surgery on or near the thyroid gland.
Remember, these are general risk factors and causes. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
The most common early symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue: Feeling exhausted and lacking energy, regardless of how much sleep you get
- Weight gain: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
As hypothyroidism progresses or becomes more severe, you may experience additional symptoms such as:
- Dry skin: Skin may become scaly, rough, and dry.
- Thinning hair: Hair may become dry and thin.
- Depression: Feeling low mood or experiencing depressive symptoms
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stools
- Feeling cold: Trouble tolerating cold temperatures
- Slowed heart rate: Heart rate may be lower than usual.
- Muscle pain and stiffness: Pain, stiffness, and weakness in the muscles and joints
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods: Changes in menstruation patterns
- Fertility problems: Difficulty getting pregnant
Remember, these symptoms can vary among individuals. If you suspect you have hypothyroidism, it's important to talk to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They can provide appropriate treatment options and guidance.
To diagnose hypothyroidism, healthcare professionals commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Physical examination: A healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination to look for physical signs of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, hair loss, and weight gain.
- Medical history review: The doctor will gather information about your symptoms, medical history, and any family history of thyroid disorders.
- Blood tests: The most common blood test used to diagnose hypothyroidism is the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test. This measures the levels of TSH in the blood. Elevated TSH levels may indicate an underactive thyroid gland.
Additional examinations, tests, and procedures to determine the severity of hypothyroidism may include:
- Complete thyroid panel: This includes testing levels of T3 and T4 hormones along with TSH. It provides a more comprehensive evaluation of thyroid function.
- Thyroid autoantibody tests: These tests measure the presence of specific antibodies (such as anti-thyroperoxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies) that can indicate autoimmune hypothyroidism.
- Cholesterol level test: Hypothyroidism can affect cholesterol levels, so a healthcare provider may check your cholesterol levels as part of the evaluation.
- Liver enzyme test: In some cases, hypothyroidism can lead to elevated liver enzymes. A healthcare provider may perform this test to assess liver function.
- Prolactin level test: Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause elevated prolactin levels, which can affect reproductive health. This test helps evaluate prolactin levels.
- Sodium level test: In rare cases, severe hypothyroidism can lead to low sodium levels in the blood. A sodium level test may be performed if symptoms suggest this complication.
Remember that these examinations, tests, and procedures are typically performed by healthcare professionals to diagnose and evaluate hypothyroidism accurately.
The goals of treatment for hypothyroidism are as follows:
- Achieve euthyroidism: The primary goal is to restore thyroid hormone levels to the normal range, as indicated by a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. This is typically achieved using synthetic levothyroxine (LT4), which is a replacement for the deficient thyroid hormone.
- Normalize TSH levels: The therapy aims to bring TSH levels within the age-related range. Monitoring TSH levels helps ensure that the dosage of LT4 is appropriate and that the patient is responding well to treatment.
- Relieve symptoms: Hypothyroidism can cause various symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Adequate treatment with LT4 can help alleviate these symptoms by restoring normal thyroid hormone levels.
The main medication type used for hypothyroidism treatment is synthetic levothyroxine (LT4). LT4 is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and serves as a replacement for the deficient hormone. It is available in multiple strengths and administered in a single daily dose.
Other treatments or therapeutic procedures for hypothyroidism may include:
- Combination therapy: Some patients may benefit from combination therapy with both LT4 and liothyronine (LT3), which is a synthetic form of triiodothyronine (T3). This approach aims to address the potential loss of endogenous T3 production from the thyroid gland and improve symptomatology.
- Desiccated thyroid extracts: In some cases, desiccated thyroid extracts derived from animal sources may be used as an alternative to LT4 therapy. These extracts contain both T4 and T3 hormones.
Health behavior changes that may support hypothyroidism treatment include:
- Adherence to medication: It is crucial to take prescribed medication consistently and as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Regular follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups allow healthcare providers to monitor treatment progress, adjust medication dosage if necessary, and address any concerns or questions.
It's important to note that specific treatment plans should be tailored to each individual's needs, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for side effect information.