Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism and energy production.

Thyroid hormones are essential for the proper functioning of various organs and systems in the body. They help regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and they play a role in the growth and development of tissues. Thyroid hormones also affect heart rate, digestion, muscle control, brain development, mood, and many other bodily functions.

When there is an insufficient production of thyroid hormones, as seen in hypothyroidism, the body's natural processes slow down. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, cold sensitivity, muscle weakness, depression, and memory problems. However, the symptoms can vary from person to person.

Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Other causes include radiation therapy, certain medications, iodine deficiency, and congenital factors.

Hypothyroidism is usually diagnosed through blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) in the blood. Treatment typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication to replace the deficient hormones and restore normal thyroid function.

It's important for individuals with symptoms or concerns related to their thyroid function to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can present with a variety of symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism:

1. Fatigue and increased tiredness: Feeling exhausted and lacking energy is a common symptom of an underactive thyroid.

2. Sensitivity to cold: People with hypothyroidism may feel colder than others around them and have an increased need for warm clothing or higher room temperatures.

3. Unexplained weight gain: Hypothyroidism can cause a decrease in metabolism, leading to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

4. Hair loss: Thinning hair or hair loss, especially on the scalp, is often reported by individuals with hypothyroidism.

5. Dry skin and brittle nails: Reduced thyroid hormone levels can lead to dry and rough skin as well as brittle or weak nails.

6. Constipation: Slowed digestion and decreased movement of the intestines can result in constipation.

7. Irregular or heavy menstrual periods: Women with hypothyroidism may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, including heavier or more irregular periods.

8. Sexual dysfunction in men: Some men with hypothyroidism may experience difficulties with erectile function or a decreased libido.

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and not everyone with hypothyroidism will experience all of them. If you suspect you have an underactive thyroid, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

There’s also an effect with psychological or psychiatric change. Mild thyroid deficiency can look a whole lot like depression. People become not motivated to do things, depressive in mood. It’s often a very difficult thing to tell apart mild depression from an underactive thyroid. Not just for patients, but for physicians as well.

If you have any further questions on the diagnosis or treatment of thyroid deficiency, do check with your primary care practitioner.

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Endocrinologist

In some cases, hypothyroidism may be caused by temporary factors such as medication side effects or inflammation in the thyroid gland. For example, certain medications like lithium or amiodarone can affect thyroid function and lead to temporary hypothyroidism. Inflammation of the thyroid gland, known as thyroiditis, can also cause transient hypothyroidism. In these situations, the thyroid gland may recover and resume normal function without the need for long-term treatment.

However, it is important to note that most cases of hypothyroidism are caused by a chronic condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This typically leads to a progressive loss of thyroid function over time. Other causes of hypothyroidism, such as surgical removal of the thyroid gland or radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, also require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, to supplement or replace the inadequate production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The dosage of the hormone replacement medication is adjusted based on regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels in the blood to ensure it remains within the normal range.

If you suspect you have an underactive thyroid or are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They will evaluate your specific situation and determine the most suitable course of action, which may include thyroid hormone replacement therapy if necessary.

But for most patients, when their thyroid is underactive spontaneously, it’s due to a disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system gets a bit confused, and instead of fighting off bacteria or viruses, it turns on your thyroid and actually causes damage.

And we don’t have an accepted way to stop that inflammation, and we’re left just replacing your thyroid hormone to restore normal physiology and restore normal health and make you feel normal.

To diagnose low thyroid, or hypothyroidism, first is to suspect it from the symptoms, because some of the symptoms are really not very specific; fatigue – everything causes fatigue. But once you have a clinical suspicion of it, the test to do is a TSH test (thyroid stimulating hormone test).

And while not a perfect test, it’s very good in most circumstances, to diagnose an underactive thyroid. When your thyroid level is low, your TSH level goes up. And it can be used both to diagnose thyroid disease, and it’s also one of our key measures that we use when we start treating thyroid deficiency, to know that we have put you on an appropriate physiological dose of thyroid hormone.

If you have any further questions on the diagnosis or treatment of thyroid deficiency, do check with your primary care practitioner.

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Endocrinologist