Hypothyroidism

Too little thyroid hormone from an underactive thyroid gland is called hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolism is slowed. Several causes for this condition exist, most of which affect the thyroid gland directly, impairing its ability to make enough hormone. More rarely, there may be a pituitary gland tumor, which blocks the pituitary from producing TSH. As a consequence, the thyroid fails to produce a sufficient supply of hormones needed for good health.

Whether the problem is caused by the thyroid conditions or y the pituitary gland, the result is that the thyroid is underproducing hormones, causing many physical and mental processes to become sluggish. The body consumes less oxygen and produces less body heat.

 

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism, which occurs when an underactive thyroid does not produce enough hormones, can be a dangerous condition if untreated.

Instead of the bodily systems speeding up and overheating, they slow down in a variety of ways. This thyroid disease's symptoms include the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Mental depression
  • Sluggishness
  • Feeling cold
  • Weight gain
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Constipation
  • Menstrual irregularities

NOTE: The most severe expression of hypothyroidism may be referred to as myxedema. If you have severe hypothyroidism, a significant injury, infection, or exposure to cold or certain medications may trigger a life-threatening condition called myxedema coma. This condition may cause a patient to lose consciousness and to develop hypothermia, a life-threatening low body temperature.

 

Causes

It occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, creating chronic inflammation that damages the gland and interferes with its ability to make enough thyroid hormone.  It occurs more often in women than men, and tends to run in families.

Hypothyroidism can be traced to several other conditions as well, including:

  • Subacute, lymphocytic, or postpartum thyroiditis.  These inflammations of the thyroid gland often start as hyperthyroidism, as stored thyroid hormone leaks out of the gland and raises hormone levels in the blood.  Most people then develop temporary or, very rarely, permanent hypothyriodism.
  • Drugs that affect thyroid function, such as amiodarone, which is used to treat heart rhythm abnormalities.
  • A pituitary gland that does not make enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
  • Treatment for hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) with radioactive iodine or surgery.

 

Treatments

Hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the thyroid hormone the body needs. This is usually done with an oral tablet or pill of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4 or levothyroxine). A person will usually notice an improvement in his or her health and decreased symptoms of thyroid disease within two weeks. Severe cases of hypothyroidism, however, may take longer to correct. Most patients with hypothyroidism will need to be on T4 treatment for the rest of their lives. They have to work closely with their doctor, take their medication as directed, and be monitored regularly in case the medication dose needs to be adjusted. If patients take too much T4, they can develop a mild case of hyperthyroidism. If they do not get enough, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will return.

A patient may need special attention if in addition to suffering from thyroid problems, he or she is:

  • Older or has a weak heart.
  • Pregnant.
  • Having surgery.