Hypothyroidism Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, namely the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). A lack of these hormones can change the way the body processes fat. As a result, sufferers can experience other conditions such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks.
Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder that is quite common and can happen to anyone. However, women – especially those over the age of 50 – experience hypothyroidism more often than men. It is estimated that six to ten percent of women experience this condition.
There are two types of hypothyroidism, namely:
- Primary hypothyroidism, where the disturbance occurs in the thyroid gland itself.
- Secondary hypothyroidism, which is a condition in which problems occur in the brain’s pituitary gland, which oversees the work of the thyroid gland.
Symptom
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not very characteristic and usually come on slowly. Therefore sufferers are often not aware of having this condition for years.
Symptoms that can occur include:
- tired easily
- weight gain
- depression
- sensitive to cold weather
- constipation
- slow movement and thought
- muscle pain and weakness
- muscle cramps
- dry and scaly skin
- brittle hair and nails
- loss of libido or sexual desire
- pain, tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers ( carpal tunnel syndrome )
- irregular or heavy menstruation
- growth and development disorders (in children)
- earlier puberty (in teenagers)
- memory impairment (in the elderly)
If it has been going on for a long time and is not treated, the condition of hypothyroidism can show more severe symptoms. Some of them are like:
- low and hoarse voice
- swollen face
- thinning or partially missing eyebrows
- slow heart rate
- hearing loss
- anemia
Reason
The condition of hypothyroidism can be caused by several things, such as:
- Immune system work.
The body’s immune system that actively attacks infections can also attack the thyroid gland, causing disorders of the gland. As a result, the thyroid cannot produce enough of the hormone thyroxine. The condition of hypothyroidism caused by an attack by the immune system is called Hashimoto’s Disease.
- Prior thyroid treatment.
Treatment of thyroid cancer or hyperthyroidism can cause side effects of hypothyroidism.
- Iodine deficiency
The body needs iodine to produce the hormone thyroxine. If the body experiences a lack of iodine, the thyroid gland can experience interference.
- Congenital from birth
Congenital hypothyroidism occurs because the thyroid gland is not fully developed in the womb. However, this condition is quite rare.
- Problems with the pituitary gland
The pituitary gland controls the thyroid gland. If there is a problem with the pituitary gland, this can result in hypothyroidism.
- Drugs
Some drugs can cause hypothyroidism. For example lithium (drug depression), amiodarone (drug heart), and interferon (drug cancer and hepatitis C).
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of hypothyroidism from the symptoms complained of by the patient. Unfortunately, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are often similar to those of many other health disorders.
Therefore, usually the doctor will carry out supporting examinations to confirm the diagnosis. The follow-up examination that is usually done is a thyroid function test. The blood test will measure the body’s hormone levels, namely TSH ( thyroid-stimulating hormone ) and T4. High TSH and low T4 levels indicate hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Treatment for hypothyroidism is by using a hormone replacement, namely levothyroxine. In those with mild or no symptoms, treatment may not be necessary.
The replacement hormone dose will depend on each individual. Dosage can be determined by carrying out routine blood tests. In the early stages, the lowest possible dose will be given and will be increased until the body responds. Once the exact dose is known, routine checks can be once a year.
Consumption of levothyroxine is recommended at the same time every day. It should also be noted that the dosage of the drug must be correct. Excessive doses can cause side effects such as sweating, chest pain, headache, diarrhea and vomiting. Usually, someone who undergoes this method must take hormone-replacement drugs for life.
Prevention
It is almost impossible to prevent hypothyroidism, especially when it is caused by the immune system itself. Disturbances due to nutritional effects can still be prevented by consuming enough iodized foods.