Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, Risks And Treatment Options

Overview

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce the normal amount of thyroid hormones. An estimated 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disease.

There are many causes of hypothyroidism including genetics, age and other medical conditions. Treatment typically involves taking thyroid medications, which can improve symptoms and prevent the progression of the disease. However, hypothyroidism is a serious condition and should not be ignored. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, it is important to consult your doctor.

In this article, we will discuss some of the dominant symptoms of the condition and how you can manage it effectively to lead a healthy life.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland which is located at the lower portion of the neck. It secretes hormones that affect the body's rate of metabolism, controls the heart rate and maintains the body temperature, among other functions. Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland fails to release enough thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism affects both adults and children alike. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism that you may experience are:

In adults, symptoms include:

1. General fatigue
2. Dry skin and coarse hair
3. Tender, stiff or weak muscles
4. Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
5. Slower heart rate
6. Constipation
7. Hoarseness of voice
8. Hair loss
9. Problems with memory and depression
10. Women may experience heavy menstrual periods

In children, hypothyroidism symptoms present as:

1. Delayed growth
2. Poor and weak muscle tone
3. Poor mental development
4. Dry skin
5. Jaundice
6. Difficulty with weight gain
7. An umbilical hernia may be present in some cases

Causes of Hypothyroidism

There can be several probable causes behind hypothyroidism. Below is a list of some of the most common causes -

1. Genetics: If the condition is already present in the family, chances are you may suffer from it as well.

2. Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis is a condition caused by an inflammation of the thyroid glands. A recent infection affecting the thyroid glands or any pre-existing ailment, such as an autoimmune disorder, may trigger inflammation. This results in the glands secreting a large number of thyroid hormones at once. This causes the thyroid gland to become underactive.

3. Iodine deficiency: Your thyroid gland uses mineral iodine to generate thyroid hormones. Lack of iodine in the diet may result in an underactive thyroid.

4. Treatment of hyperthyroidism: In some instances, surgical removal of the thyroid while treating hyperthyroidism may cause the gland to become underactive.

5. Radiation: Radiation therapy used for cancer treatment in the head and neck region can also affect the thyroid gland, causing it to produce less hormone.

6. Pregnancy: Some patients may develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy, which increases the chances of premature delivery or preeclampsia. Due to their seriousness, such cases require constant monitoring and blood testing.

What are the Treatment Options Available For Hypothyroidism?

Even though it is a chronic condition, Hypothyroidism is highly treatable under the guidance of your doctor. You can maintain a healthy lifestyle with the correct treatment and medications. The most common form of hypothyroidism treatment is the administration of levothyroxine orally.

Hormone replacement tablets such as levothyroxine act as a substitute for the thyroxine hormone in your body. This procedure requires regular blood testing to make sure you are taking an accurate dosage of thyroxine. Upon reaching the correct dose, you will require follow-up appointments at least once a year, where your doctor will order a blood test to monitor your hormone levels. 

Since the condition is chronic, you will need routine checkups to increase or lower the dosage of your medication depending on how your body responds to the treatment.

Who is at Risk of Developing Hypothyroidism?

The following people are at a greater risk of developing hypothyroidism during their life -

• People with a family history of thyroid disorders.
• People who have undergone surgery or radiotherapy.
• People with autoimmune diseases.
• Women are more likely than men to develop this condition

What Happens if Hypothyroidism is Left Untreated?

Under conditions where hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to severe health complications. Some of them are listed below -

• A lack of thyroid hormones may lead to the development of goitre - a condition where the thyroid gland increases in size. An enlarged gland will cause difficulty breathing and swallowing food.

• It may lead to the development of mental health problems.

• People with an underactive thyroid are at a greater risk of developing heart problems. 

• It may cause fertility issues since low levels of thyroid can also affect ovulation.

• Babies born to mothers with untreated hypothyroidism have a higher chance of developing birth defects. They may also face developmental issues.

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

Your doctor will enquire about your personal history as well as your family's medical history. They may conduct a physical checkup to see whether your thyroid glands are enlarged. 

The primary method for diagnosing hypothyroidism is through blood tests. The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test checks levels of TSH in the blood, which can help doctors diagnose if you have hypothyroidism or not. 

Other tests to check for thyroid health include the Free T4 (Thyroxine), Total T4, Free T3 (Tri-Iodothyronine), and Total T3 tests. 

Refer to Metropolis Healthcare to book a TSH test or the complete thyroid panel (T3/T4/TSH) test. 

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism affects millions of Indians every year. However, with a timely diagnosis and by strictly following your doctor's advice, you can lead a normal life. 

Regular blood tests are a necessity when it comes to hypothyroidism and it is important to make sure you are getting an accurate report. This is where Metropolis Labs comes in. Providing 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, Metropolis Labs caters to all your medical needs and is a trusted name in the medical field.

You can avail of our services from the comfort of your home. Visit our website to check the directory of blood tests and health check-up services and book an appointment today.