Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems.
Hypothyroidism signs
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Muscle weakness
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
Causes of hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune disease: The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Over-response to hyperthyroidism treatment: sometimes, hyperthyroidism treatment (radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications) can result in permanent hypothyroidis.
- Thyroid surgery: Removing all or a large portion of your thyroid gland. In that case,
- Radiation therapy: Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck can affect your thyroid gland and may lead to hypothyroidism.
- Medications: A number of medications can contribute to hypothyroidism. One such medication is lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders.
Treatment of hypothyroidism
- Treatment for hypothyroidism focuses on supplementing the thyroid hormone. At present, doctors cannot cure hypothyroidism but they can help people to control it in most cases.
- An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is usually treated by taking daily hormone replacement tablets called levothyroxine. Levothyroxine replaces the thyroxine hormone, which your thyroid doesn’t make enough of. You’ll initially have regular blood tests until the correct dose of levothyroxine is reached. This can take a little while to get right. Once you’re taking the correct dose, you’ll usually have a blood test once a year to monitor your hormone levels.
- If you’re prescribed levothyroxine, you should take 1 tablet at the same time every day. It’s usually recommended that you take the tablets in the morning. An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you’ll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life.
Reference
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350289
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/treatment/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163729.php
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/low-thyroid-treatment#1
