Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not manufacture adequate thyroid hormones to fulfill the body’s needs. There’s an underactive thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism is the reverse, when so much thyroid hormone is released by the thyroid. The relation between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, however, is complicated, and one may, under some situations, contribute to the other.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, or the way energy is consumed by the body. Many of the body’s functions slow down if thyroxine levels are low.
In the United States , approximately 4.6 percent of the population aged 12 years and over has hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is situated below the larynx , or voice box, at the front of the neck and has two lobes, one on either side of the windpipe.
It is an endocrine gland made up of unique hormone-making cells. Hormones are chemical messengers that transmit data to the body’s organs and tissues, regulating processes such as metabolism , growth, and mood.
Thyroid hormone production is regulated by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) released by the pituitary gland.
This, in fact, is regulated by a region of the brain, the hypothalamus. TSH makes sure that enough thyroid hormones are developed to fulfill the body’s needs.
Important facts about hypothyroidism
- The thyroid gland produces two thyroid hormones, TS3 and TS4.
- These hormones regulate the body’s metabolism.
- The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. is Hashimoto’s disease.
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance, and joint and muscle pain.
Symptoms
Multiple organ structures are affected by thyroid hormones, but the manifestations of hypothyroidism are wide-ranging and diverse.
Two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3 ) and thyroxine (T4), are produced by the thyroid. These control metabolism, and the following functions are also affected:
- brain development
- breathing
- heart and nervous system functions
- body temperature
- muscle strength
- skin dryness
- menstrual cycles
- weight
- cholesterol levels
Symptoms of hypothyroidism commonly include, but are not limited to:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- cold intolerance
- slowed heart rate, movements, and speech
- joint and muscle pain, cramps, and weakness
- constipation
- dry skin
- thin, brittle hair or fingernails
- decreased sweating
- pins and needles
- heavy periods, or menorrhagia
- weakness
- high cholesterol
- puffy face, feet, and hands
- insomnia
- balance and co-ordination issues
- loss of libido
- recurrent urinary and respiratory tract infections
- anemia
- depression
If left untreated, the following symptoms can manifest:
- hoarseness
- puffiness in the face
- thinned or missing eyebrows
- slow heart rate
- hearing loss
If it develops in children or teenagers, the signs and symptoms are generally the same as adults.
However, they may also experience:
- poor growth
- delayed development of teeth
- poor mental development
- delayed puberty
Hypothyroidism is slowly evolving. For a long time, signs can go untreated, and they may be ambiguous and generic.
Symptoms differ a lot between patients, and several disorders overlap them. A blood test is the only way to obtain a concrete diagnosis.
Treatment
Hypothyroidism therapy relies on thyroid hormone therapy. Doctors may not eradicate hypothyroidism at present, but they can enable persons to control it in most cases.
Synthetic thyroxine
Physicians typically administer prescription thyroxine, a drug similar to the T4 hormone, to replenish the amounts. Doctors may prescribe that you take this in the morning before regular meals.
The patient’s history, signs, and current TSH level decide the dose. Doctors will check the patient’s blood periodically to assess whether the synthetic T4 dose has to be changed.
There will be a need for routine testing, but the number of blood testing will generally decline with time.
Iodine and nutrition
Iodine is an important mineral for the activity of the thyroid. Iodine deficiency is one of the most frequent causes of thyroid gland growth or irregular enlargement.
It is vital for most people to sustain sufficient iodine intake, although those with autoimmune thyroid disease may be especially vulnerable to the effects of iodine, which means that hypothyroidism can be triggered or exacerbated.
They should inform their doctor if they are sensitive to the effects of iodine.
People with hypothyroidism should speak with their doctor about any significant dietary changes , especially when beginning a diet rich in fiber or consuming tons of soy or cruciferous vegetables.
The way in which the body consumes thyroid drugs may be influenced by food.
During pregnancy, iodine requirements increase. The needed quantities of iodine can be preserved by using iodized salt in the diet and taking prenatal vitamins.
Normally, hypothyroidism may be adequately treated by seeking the recommendations of a trained health care provider. Thyroid hormone levels should return to normal with adequate care.
For the remainder of the patient’s life, drugs for hypothyroidism may continue to be used in most cases.
Prevention
There is no way to avoid hypothyroidism, but patients who may be at increased risk for thyroid issues, such as women during breastfeeding, should confirm the need for extra iodine with their doctor.
For those who do not have symptoms, screening is not recommended, because they have the following risk factors:
- a history of autoimmune disease
- previous radiation treatment to the head or neck
- a goiter
- family history of thyroid problems
- use of medications known to affect thyroid function
It is necessary to screen these individuals for early symptoms of the disease. If the findings are positive, they will take steps to prevent the development of the disease.
There is no proof that hypothyroidism can be avoided by a special diet and there is no means of avoiding hypothyroidism unless you reside in a area with poor nutritional iodine levels, such as certain areas of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Diet
For hypothyroidism, no special diet is prescribed, although individuals should eat a diverse, well-balanced diet that is not high in fat or sodium.
In addition , maintaining a gluten-free diet can help those with autoimmune Hashimoto’s. Study indicates a link between celiac disease and thyroid autoimmune disease, all of which include inflammatory components. In non-celiac autoimmune diseases, avoiding gluten can help, but it’s important to talk to a doctor first before cutting out gluten-containing foods.
Other foods and nutrients, especially when ingested in large amounts, can be dangerous.
These include:
- soya, as it can affect thyroxine absorption
- iodine, found in kelp and other seaweeds, and in supplements, including some multivitamins
- iron supplements, as they can affect thyroxine absorption
- cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower, kale, and cabbage may contribute to a goiter, but only in very large amounts
The consumption of extra iodine can conflict with the balance involved in treatment. Iodine can be harmful if hyperthyroidism occurs.
Any diet or supplementation modifications should be discussed with a doctor.
Causes
Hypothyroidism may arise if the thyroid gland fails to function properly, or if the hypothalamus or pituitary gland does not activate the thyroid gland properly.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as persistent lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, is the most frequent form of hypothyroidism throughout the U.S.
Autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune system destroys the body’s own cells and tissues, is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
The disease induces the thyroid gland to invade the immune system, resulting in inflammation and interfering with its capacity to produce thyroid hormones.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is thyroid gland inflammation. It causes the blood to release thyroid hormones, increasing their average levels and contributing to hyperthyroidism. This may grow into hypothyroidism after 1 to 2 months.
Thyroiditis may be caused by an infection of viruses or microbes, an allergic disease, or after pregnancy.
Congenital hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland does not function correctly from birth in cases of congenital hypothyroidism.
This can lead to difficulties with physical and mental development, but these problems can be minimized by early care. In the United States, most newborns are tested for hypothyroidism.
Thyroid surgery and treatment as causes of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism may result from thyroid therapy and surgery.
Several disorders may be treated by partial or complete elimination of the thyroid gland, such as hyperthyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Hypothyroidism can result from this.
Hypothyroidism may also arise from radiation therapy of the thyroid. A typical therapy for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine. It functions by killing the thyroid gland ‘s cells and reducing T4 output.
Radiation is also used in the treatment of patients with cancers of the head and neck, Hodgkin ‘s disease, and other lymphomas that can lead to thyroid damage.
Medication
Thyroid hormone development can be interacted with by a variety of medications. Which contains metabolites of amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium, and tyrosine kinase.
Pituitary gland abnormalities
The thyroid gland will not develop the right amount of thyroid hormone if the pituitary gland keeps working correctly.
The activity of the pituitary gland can be impaired by pituitary tumors or pituitary surgery, and this can adversely affect the thyroid gland.
A disorder that causes damage to the pituitary gland is Sheehan ‘s syndrome.
If, before or during childbirth, a woman loses a life-threatening volume of blood or has extremely low blood pressure, the gland may be impaired, allowing pituitary hormones to become under-produced.
Iodine imbalance
For the development of thyroid hormones, iodine is required, but the level has to be balanced. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may result from too much or too little iodine.
Natural remedies
For hypothyroidism, certain natural treatments are recommended, but first it is necessary to talk to a doctor since the treatment for thyroid disorders must be delicately controlled.
Selenium: The use of selenium can help people with some forms of thyroid disorders, but it can only be used after discussing it with a doctor. “Researchers note that” either the absence or abundance of this micronutrient can be linked with harmful effects. “Selenium supplements that a health practitioner may not prescribe may be unsafe. Selenium supplements that are not prescribed by a health practitioner.
Vitamin D: A deficiency has been associated with the incidence of Hashimoto ‘s disease. In order to achieve beneficial vitamin D blood levels above 50 ng / dL, supplementation may be required.
Probiotics: Certain persons with hypothyroidism can have modifications in the small intestine, known as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), where bacteria from the colon migrate into the small intestine where they are not usually found.
In one study, a glucose breath test had unexpected findings in 40 patients. After one month of taking the probiotic Bacillus clausii, the test outcome was average for 19 participants. For SIBO, both antibiotics and probiotics have been shown to be effective.
Additionally, supplements such as turmeric (containing at least 500 mg of curcumin) and omega-3s can help boost inflammation for those with autoimmune and inflammatory thyroid conditions.
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors conduct a physical exam, take a patient report and give it to the laboratory for review.
The TSH test is the most common blood test. This detects the blood levels of TSH.
The patient may have hypothyroidism if the TSH reading is above average. The patient may have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism if TSH levels are below average.
Additional blood tests used for verifying the condition or evaluating the origin are the T3, T4, and thyroid autoantibody tests.
In order to completely evaluate the health and function of the thyroid gland, the doctor can run a complete thyroid panel, measuring levels of T3 and T4, TSH, and thyroid autoantibodies.
Tests to confirm the amount of cholesterol, liver enzymes, prolactin, and sodium may also be accessible.
Risk factors
Some risk factors, apart from certain disorders and medications, include:
If they have disorders such as Turner syndrome or autoimmune illnesses such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, individuals have a higher chance of having a thyroid disorder.
In individuals with a family history of thyroid disease for those above the age of 60, the likelihood of hypothyroidism is greater.
It affects women more often from middle age onwards, but it can occur at any age.
During and after pregnancy
Increased metabolic requirements during pregnancy result in increased thyroid demands.
In one study, 85% of pregnant women taking thyroid hormone replacement expected an average increased intake of 47% during pregnancy.
It is usually attributed to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis if hypothyroidism happens during pregnancy. During pregnancy, this condition affects between 3 and 5 out of every 1,000 people.
The risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and a rise in blood pressure during late pregnancy or preeclampsia is increased by untreated hypothyroidism.
It may also impact brain development and rates of growth.
There is a greater incidence of thyroiditis and hypothyroidism in women who have been pregnant during the last 6 months.
