Overview
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism also
called as under active thyroid is condition of endocrine system, were
thyroid gland doesnot produce enough thyroid hormones.
It is very common medical condition nowadays.The hormones produced by
the thyroid gland affect the metabolism of the body. The hormones in
general control how energy is used in the body and the resulting rate at
which the different organs function in your body.
Symptoms and Signs
- fatigue
- depression
- constipation
- feeling cold
- dry skin
- weight gain
- muscle weakness
- decreased sweating
- slowed heart rate
- elevated blood cholesterol
- pain and stiffness in your joints
- dry, thinning hair
- impaired memory
- fertility difficulties or menstrual changes
- muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness
- hoarseness
- puffy, sensitive face
- thinning and falling of hair
Causes
- inadequate function of the gland itself (primary hypothyroidism),
- inadequate stimulation by thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland (secondary hypothyroidism), or
- inadequate release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone from the brain’s hypothalamus (tertiary hypothyroidism).
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of factors such as:
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: This is a condition in
which the thyroid gland gets inflamed. Also known as Thyroiditis, this
occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland and
destroys it.
Iodine Deficiency: The thyroid gland needs iodine to be
able to produce T3 and T4 hormones. Since our bodies do not produce
iodine, we are dependent on the foods we consume to provide the required
amount of iodine to the body. Foods that are rich in iodine include
milk and milk-based products, saltwater fishes, eggs, bananas, yoghurt,
strawberries, cranberries, green beans, and white bread.
Pregnancy : During pregnancy, some women tend to
develop an inflamed thyroid. This condition is also known as postpartum
thyroiditis. Though the cause for it is unknown, after a certain time
span, the thyroid hormone levels return to normal in these women.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation given to the thyroid gland can reduce its production of hormones.
Certain medications: Some medicines can interfere with
normal production of thyroid hormone. Lithium, for example, is one of
the most common medicines that causes hypothyroidism.
Growth in the thyroid: Thyroid nodules are abnormal
overgrowths of tissue in the thyroid gland that are most often
benign—but may be cancerous in some people.
Genetic Causes: Damaged genes can also cause hypothyroidism. The causes are generally detected during infancy.
Problem With The Hypothalamus
Pituitary Gland Disorder: The pituitary gland turn
controls the thyroid gland among others. Therefore, any abnormal
functioning of the pituitary gland affects the thyroid gland
Risk factors
- family history of hypothyroidism
- previous history of thyroid problems
- Women
- autoimmune disorders such as Diabetes Type 1, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, or vitiligo
- down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- bipolar disorder