What Are The Main Causes And Symptoms Of Underactive Thyroid
Hypothyroidism consists in thyroid hormone deficiency. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, whose role is to control the way in which our body consumes energy. Thyroid hormone deficiency affects all the body functions.
The risk of developing hypothyroidism tends to increase with age. Older women present the greatest risk. In rare cases, hypothyroidism occurs in infants and young children. Infants will have a normal growth and development if hypothyroidism is treated during their first months of life. Teens with hypothyroidism typically look much younger.
If it’s not treated, hypothyroidism can lead to multiple complications, including pericarditis (accumulation of fluid around the heart) and increased cholesterol and triglycerides. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto thyroiditis, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, will disappear spontaneously (by itself). Women may develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy.
Iodine deficiency is the main cause of hypothyroidism. Other factors that may trigger this condition include autoimmune disorders (Hashimoto thyroiditis), treatment of hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, medications (lithium). Hypothyroidism can also result from congenital diseases, failure of the pituitary gland, pregnancy and external irradiation. Viral and bacterial infections can temporarily damage the thyroid gland, leading to a form of hypothyroidism.
People suffering from this condition present thinning hair, dry and cold skin, slowness in movements, intolerance to cold, feeling of tiredness, weakness and drowsiness, depression, constipation, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight and muscle cramps. Less common symptoms include dysphonia (hoarse voice) and muscle pain.
In general, the severity of symptoms depends on age and severity of the condition. Subclinical or mild hypothyroidism often has no symptoms, going unnoticed. Symptoms of hypothyroidism during and after pregnancy include fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, depression, concentration problems and memory disorders. Some women develop a goiter.
If untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to periorbital swelling, pericardial effusion, muscular hypertrophy, weight gain, alanine transaminase levels raised (plasma or serum), cardiac failure, hypothermia, obesity, hyperpigmentation, etc. In rare cases, this condition leads to coma, female infertility, galactorrhoea-hyperprolactinaemia, Carpal tunnel syndrome, facies abnormality and thyroid hormone binding globulin levels raised (serum).
It is recommended to consult a doctor immediately if you notice mental deterioration, apathy, confusion and psychosis, severe breathing difficulties or low body temperature (35C or less). Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed by the gastroenterologist, gynecologist or psychiatrist, depending on symptoms. More complicated or unusual cases require special examination performed by the endocrinologist.
Hypothyroidism can be easily treated using thyroid hormone replacement drugs. In most cases, the symptoms are alleviated in the first weeks after beginning treatment. All symptoms usually disappear within a few months. Along with the allopathic treatment prescribed by the doctor, natural remedies can be extremely helpful. Plants rich in iodine and vitamins are quite numerous, increasing the levels of thyroxine in the blood.
People with underactive thyroid should take multivitamin supplements such as iodine, selenium, Tyrosine, thyroid glandular, bladderwrack and coconut oil. Many herbs proved their efficiency in treating hypothyroidism; some of them are: bayberry, Siberian ginseng, saw palmetto berry, black cohosh, ashwagandha, maca, goldenseal and more.
