What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your body is not able to produce sufficient quantities of thyroid hormone. Your thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which help in regulate the body’s metabolism. In other words, it tells each cell how much energy it should use. Thus, a deficiency of thyroid hormones can lead to an overall slow down in the body’s functioning.
What causes hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be caused by various factors, such as :
- Iodine deficiency
- Surgery to remove the thyroid gland
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- Radiation therapy involving your thyroid, neck or chest
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis - Congenital hypothyroidism (partial or complete absence of the thyroid gland at birth)
- Viral infections (sometimes viral infections cause inflammation of the thyroid gland, making it underactive)
- Medicines such as lithium, thalidomide, rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital interferon-alpha, interleukin-2, and amiodarone
- An underactive pituitary gland
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include :
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight gain
- Enlarged thyroid
- Gland
- Dry skin
- Dry hair and hair loss
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Joint pain and muscle cramps
- Decreased heart rate
- Menstrual problems
- Fertility problems
- Decreased libido
- Irritability and depression
Hypothyroidism in infants can present with the following symptoms :
- Dull, puffy face
- Jaundice
- A big tongue that protrudes or sticks out
- Bouts of poor feeding and choking
- Poor muscle tone results in floppiness
- Stunted growth
- Constipation
- Sluggishness
- Hoarse crying
Hypothyroidism in children results in :
- Delayed or stunted growth
- Delayed onset of puberty
- Thick lips
- Delayed eruption of teeth and malalignment of teeth
What is subclinical hypothyroidism?
Subclinical hypothyroidism, or mild thyroid failure, is a condition in which thyroid hormone levels are normal but thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is elevated. If you have subclinical hypothyroidism, you may not have any symptoms. Subclinical hypothyroidism can progress to overt hypothyroidism.
What is myxedema?
What is cretinism?
What is Hashimoto's disease?
Hashimoto’s disease, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a disease of the immune system in which your body’s cells are targeted and destroyed by your defence cells. This means that your body’s immune cells fail to recognize cells of your thyroid gland as its own and hence attack them. It is also called autoimmune thyroiditis. Due to the immune response, there is inflammation and death of the thyroid gland cells, leading to a deficiency of thyroid hormone.
What are the complications of hypothyroidism?
Some complications include :
- Goitre, it can lead to hoarseness of voice, trouble in breathing and swallowing due to an enlarged thyroid gland
- Myxedema coma (features include decreased rate of breathing, decreased body temperature, seizures and shock; this requires emergency medical care)
- Heart disease
- Infertility
- Mental health problems
- Stunted growth and mental deficiency in babies and young children
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
If you report to your doctor with symptoms of hypothyroidism, you may be advised to take certain blood tests. These include
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- T3 and T4 tests
- Anti-thyroid antibody testing
Additionally, you may be advised to undergo radioactive iodine uptake, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or a biopsy if your doctor suspects a greater problem.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
Is my hypothyroidism curable?
Hypothyroidism is a treatable condition. Timely and proper medical treatment will help you get back to a normal, healthy life. However, you may have to continue taking medications for your thyroid disease for a long time.
Do I have to take thyroid hormone supplements for the rest of my life?
Your thyroid gland may remain underactive for your entire life. This means that you may have to be on medication for entire lifetime. However, your doctor may adjust your dose periodically based on your hormone levels.
I missed a dose of my thyroid medicine. What should I do now?
If you miss a dose, take the dose when you remember. If you remember your missed dose only at a time close to your next dose, then take only that dose. Don’t take a second dose to make up for the one you missed.
What if I take an extra dose of my thyroid medication by mistake?
If you take an extra dose of your thyroid medication by mistake, do not panic. Accidental consumption of one additional dose of thyroid medicine is unlikely to harm. You may experience heart pounding, feeling very hot, sweating, increased hunger, nervousness, anxiety, and in some cases, even diarrhoea and sleeplessness. You may start experiencing these symptoms several days after the accident, which may resolve gradually over the next couple of days. Consult your doctor and report the incident if your symptoms are persistent.
To avoid making a mistake, keep a checklist or a pillbox that contains tablets dispensed for each day separately.
Are there any side effects to thyroid hormone medicines?
There are some side effects to thyroid hormone medicines. These include :
- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations)
- Excessive hunger, despite eating normally
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Intolerance to heat
- Hair fall
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint pain
- Cramps
If your symptoms are severe, contact your doctor.
How is hypothyroidism and its treatment going to impact my pregnancy?
Untreated hypothyroidism can interfere with the development of the embryo and lead to a miscarriage. It can also lead to premature delivery, low birth weight, and decreased mental capacity in the baby.
Levothyroxine, the medicine used for treating hypothyroidism, is safe to take during pregnancy. However, talk to doctor and confirm if you need to make any adjustments to dosage during pregnancy.
I have hypothyroidism. What lifestyle modifications should I adopt now?
Some measures include :
- Get 8 hours of sleep daily
- Exercise and maintain a healthy weight
- Consume healthy and iodine-containing food (seafood, iodized salt, dairy, meat, and eggs)
- Get treated for your hypothyroidism and ensure regular follow-ups with your doctor
