Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland produces essential hormones for the body’s metabolism. Therefore, hypothyroidism leads to many severe health issues.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, under the larynx, and it produces the thyroid hormones that are mainly responsible for the metabolism process (converting the food into energy) in the body, and it also has a role in controlling the body’s temperature and heart rate.

Hypothyroidism causes a reduction in the secretion of the thyroid hormones, and therefore, the metabolism will be affected, and that’ll lead to numerous problems in the body.

Underactive thyroid can occur at any age, yet it’s more common above 60, especially in women.

Causes of hypothyroidism

• The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune disease (the immune system attacks the body itself).
• A surgery to remove the thyroid gland.
• Thyroiditis.
• Radiation therapy, in cases of head and neck cancers, might affect the thyroid gland.
• Some drugs, such as lithium.
• Congenital defects.
• Problems in the pituitary gland because it produces a hormone that affects the thyroid gland.
• Iodine deficiency, which is an essential mineral in the job of the thyroid gland.
• Some pregnancy cases.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Fatigue.
• Weight gain.
• Dry hair and skin.
• Increased sensitivity to cold.
• Numbness and tingling in the hands.
• Constipation.
• Voice hoarseness.
• Puffy face.
• Weakness and pain in the muscles.
• Heavy periods.
• Slow heart rate.
• High blood cholesterol.
• Decreased sexual interest.
• Depression.
• Memory problems.

Some symptoms might also occur in the infants, such as:

• Poor growing and gaining weight.
• Feeding problems.
• Jaundice.
• Dry skin.
• Hoarseness crying.
• Enlarged tongue.
• Constipation.
• Umbilical hernia.
• Hypothyroidism in children might also lead to delayed development of permanent teeth, poor growth, delayed puberty, and poor mental development.

Complications of hypothyroidism

• Heart problems.
• Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).
• Peripheral neuropathy (damage in the nerves).
• Infertility.
• In case the hypothyroidism isn’t managed in pregnant women, that leads to birth defects in the children.
• In rare cases, myxedema coma.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism

• Diagnosing underactive thyroid is mainly done by testing the thyroid hormones in the blood.

Management of hypothyroidism

• Treatment is done by replacing the thyroid hormones, which is done by taking the medication that contains the levothyroxine hormone.