Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is a gland that sits in the front of the neck and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and affect many different functions in the body. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, the metabolism slows down, which can affect the body's normal functions. Hypothyroidism can occur for a variety of reasons, such as autoimmune disease, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, radiation therapy, or the use of certain medications.

Common symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue and exhaustion: People with hypothyroidism may experience constant fatigue and a feeling of exhaustion, even after adequate rest and sleep.
• Weight Gain: An underactive thyroid can cause the metabolism to slow down, which can lead to weight gain or difficulty losing weight, even with normal diet and exercise.
• Constipation: Decreased activity in the intestines can lead to constipation in people with hypothyroidism.
• Mental sluggishness and memory problems: Cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and mental acuity can be affected in people with hypothyroidism.
• Menstrual disorders: Women with hypothyroidism may experience irregular or heavy periods.

It is important to remember that symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. If you suspect that you have hypothyroidism, you should contact a doctor for a correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.

What causes Hypothyroidism? (Causes)

There are several reasons why the thyroid gland stops producing enough hormones. The most common causes are:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: The most common cause. An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation.
• Treatment for Hyperthyroidism: Previous treatment for an overactive thyroid with radioactive iodine or surgery can result in the gland becoming underactive.
• Iodine deficiency or excess: The thyroid needs iodine to function, but both too little and too much iodine can disrupt hormone production.
• Medications: Certain medications (e.g., lithium) can affect thyroid function as a side effect.
• Congenital: In rare cases, infants are born without a functioning thyroid gland, which is detected via newborn screening (PKU test).

How is it detected and diagnosed?

Because symptoms often develop slowly, it can be difficult to determine if they are due to hypothyroidism or common stress and fatigue. Diagnosis is made through:

• Medical History: A doctor reviews your symptoms and family history.
• Blood Tests: This is the most important tool. Two primary values are measured:
• TSH (Thyrotropin): A signal hormone from the pituitary gland. A high value indicates the body is trying to prompt the thyroid to work harder.
• T4 (Thyroxine): The actual hormone produced by the thyroid. In hypothyroidism, this value is often low.
• TPO antibodies: Often measured to check if the cause is autoimmune (Hashimoto's).

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The goal of treatment is to restore hormone balance so that metabolism returns to normal.

• Medication: The most common treatment is synthetic thyroid hormone tablets (e.g., Levothyroxine). It contains thyroxine, which is identical to the body's natural hormone.
• Lifelong Treatment: For most people, treatment is lifelong. It often takes a few weeks or months to find the correct dosage and for symptoms to subside.
• Follow-up: Regular blood tests are required to ensure the dosage remains correct, especially during pregnancy or when starting other medications.