Hypothyroidism-A Problem That Can Last For Long

Overview

Our body’s thyroid gland is small and butterfly-shaped gland that is situated near the neck’s base. It is able to make and store thyroid hormones which affect almost every cell in the body. When a signal is received by the thyroid gland, called thyroid-stimulating hormone, it discharges thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. The signal is delivered from the pituitary gland that is a small gland situated in the base of a person’s brain when levels of thyroid hormone are low.
Occasionally, the thyroid gland gets unable to release thyroid hormones, even after having lots of thyroid-stimulating hormones. This condition refers to primary hypothyroidism and it is one of the ordinary kinds of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism refers to a state when a person’s thyroid hormone production is below normal. It is also termed as an underactive thyroid. This condition is mostly caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that is an autoimmune disease. At such cases, the immune system of a person mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism Causes

When the thyroid gets unable to originate enough hormones, our body’s balance of chemical reaction can get upset. Numerous causes have been there to explore like certain medications, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, autoimmune disease, etc. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine are two of the hormones created by the thyroid gland. They can be responsible for making an enormous impact on a person’s health, affecting all features of their metabolism. Even they also influence the control of vital functions like heart rate and temperature.
The autoimmune disorder takes place when an immune system of a person’s body develops antibodies which attack their own tissues. Sometimes the process may also contain thyroid gland. Research is not sure about this condition, but there is an idea that factors like genes and the environmental trigger can be responsible. Radiation therapy, that is applied in treating cancers of neck and head also creates an impact in affecting the thyroid gland and may lead towards hypothyroidism.
People having hyperthyroidism, like those who develop too much thyroid hormone are often treated with anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine. One of the aims behind such treatments is to provide the thyroid function back to its normal state. But sometimes treating hyperthyroidism can finish up lowering production of the thyroid hormone too much, resulting in permanent hypothyroidism.
There are a variety of medications that can lead towards hypothyroidism. That’s why if a patient is taking medication, it is better to ask him with the physician about its effect on your thyroid gland. Eliminating all or a large segment of thyroid gland can eventually lessen or stop the production of the hormone. In that particular case, a person will be required to take thyroid hormone for life.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Multiple organ systems come under the effect of thyroid hormones. That is why the symptoms of hypothyroidism are diverse and wide-ranging. As we talked about triiodothyronine and thyroxine, they are responsible for regulating metabolism and affect functions like the development of the brain, body temperature, cholesterol levels, menstrual cycles, muscle strength, weight, skin dryness, heart and nervous system functions, breathing, etc.
There can be some other symptoms of hypothyroidism containing weight gain, slowed heart rate, movements, and speech, weakness, joint and muscle pain, cramps, constipation, decreased sweating, cold intolerance, depression, anemia, loss of libido, insomnia, puffy face, feet, and hands, recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections.
If it is left untreated, it can lead towards hearing loss, hoarseness, thinned or missing eyebrows, etc. If it is found among children or teenagers, the symptoms will be generally the same as adults. But there can be an experience of poor growth, delayed puberty, poor mental development and delayed development of teeth. One of the things about hypothyroidism is that it develops slowly. That’s why symptoms may go unnoticed for a long matter of time. Symptoms vary a great between an entity and the only way to diagnose them is with the help of a blood test.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a condition that can remain for life. For many peoples, medication is helpful in alleviating or reducing symptoms. You can ask your doctor about the best possible treatment to get rid of this problem. Along with medication, there are dietary recommendations for people affected with hypothyroidism as they can prove to be beneficial for them. Like, they need to eat a balanced diet. It is because our thyroid requires an adequate amount of iodine to function fully. So, it will be better if there is a routine of a balanced diet which includes whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables and lean proteins that will be helpful in providing enough iodine.