HYPOTHYROIDISM
Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland produces an abnormally low amount of thyroid hormone
- The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of the neck.
- The thyroid is part of the endocrine system made up of glands that produce, store and release hormones into the bloodstream so the hormones can reach the body’s cells.
- Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus communicate to maintain T3 and T4 balance.
- The production of thyroid hormone is maintained by thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH), which is made by the pituitary gland. TSH ensures that enough thyroid hormones are produced
- The thyroids hormone regulates vital body functions, including breathing, muscle strength, menstrual cycles, body temperature, central and peripheral nervous system, cholesterol levels and others.
- Because thyroid hormone affects growth development and many cellular processes, hypothyroidism has consequences for the body.
- Also known as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is more common in women than in men and is prevalent in people who are over the age of 60.
CAUSES
The condition may be due to a number of factors,
- Auto-immune disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Iodine deficiency
- Medications such as lithium which is used in treating certain psychiatric disorder
- Previous radiotherapy to the neck
- Previous radioiodine treatment. this treatment is used in treating hyperthyroidism
- Pregnancy
- Some babies are born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland at all and some children have an inherited form of the disorder
- Pituitary gland disorder or damage
- Previous thyroid surgery
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may depend on the severity of the hormone deficiency and may include:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Muscle weakness
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Cold intolerance
- High cholesterol
- Insomnia
- Heavier or irregular periods
- Depression
- Slowed heart rate
- Joint and muscle pain, swelling and stiffness
- Anemia
- Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
- Poor memory and concentration
- Poor hearing
- Puffy face, feet, and hands
Babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that does not work properly may have symptoms. This may include:
- Puffy face
- Hoarse-sounding cry
- Enlarged tongue
- Dry skin
- Feeding difficulties
- A decreased body temperature
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes)
In infants and children, symptoms may include:
- Delayed growth and development
- Delayed tooth development
- Reduced muscle tone
- Decreased attention span, and delayed speaking
In older children and adolescents, symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Delayed puberty
- Sleepiness
- Delay in growth
- Poor mental development
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
The doctor will ask about your symptoms. If symptoms includes dry skin, constipation, weight gain, fatigue and if you have had a previous thyroid problem or a goiter your doctor will test for hypothyroidism.
Laboratory testing of TSH in the blood is the most common blood test
Thyroid hormone level can be obtained later to confirm the diagnosis
A high level of TSH and a low level of thyroxine (T4) may indicate hypothyroidism.
TREATMENT
Thyroid hormone replacement is helpful in treating the condition.
This may include the daily use of an oral medication that is identical to the T4 hormone, the medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The medication is the thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, and others.)
Dosage depends on the symptoms, patient’s history, and the current TSH level
Maintaining iodine intake is important. Iodine is an important mineral for thyroid function