Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormones affect multiple organ systems, so the symptoms of hypothyroidism are wide-ranging and diverse. They commonly include, but are not limited to:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- cold intolerance
- slowed heart rate, movements, and speech
- joint and muscle pain, cramps, and weakness
- constipation
- dry skin
- thin, brittle hair or fingernails
- decreased sweating
- pins and needles
- heavy periods, or menorrhagia
- weakness
- high cholesterol
- puffy face, feet, and hands
- insomnia
- balance and co-ordination issues
- loss of libido
- recurrent urinary and respiratory tract infections
- anemia
- hoarseness
If it develops in children or teenagers, the signs and symptoms are generally the same as adults. However, they may also experience:
- poor growth
- delayed development of teeth
- poor mental development
- delayed puberty
Hypothyroidism Treatment
Synthetic thyroxine
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, others). Dosage is determined by the patient’s history, symptoms, and current TSH level. Doctors will regularly monitor the patient’s blood to determine if the dosage of synthetic T4 needs to be adjusted. Regular monitoring will be required, but the frequency of blood tests will likely decrease over time.
To determine the right dosage of levothyroxine initially, your doctor generally checks your level of TSH after two to three months. Excessive amounts of the hormone can cause side effects, such as: Increased appetite, insomnia, heart palpitations and shakiness.
If you have coronary artery disease or severe hypothyroidism, your doctor may start treatment with a smaller amount of medication and gradually increase the dosage. Progressive hormone replacement allows your heart to adjust to the increase in metabolism. Levothyroxine causes virtually no side effects when used in the appropriate dose.
If you have subclinical hypothyroidism, discuss treatment with your doctor. For a relatively mild increase in TSH, you probably won’t benefit from thyroid hormone therapy, and treatment could even be harmful. On the other hand, for a higher TSH level, thyroid hormones may improve your cholesterol level, the pumping ability of your heart and your energy level.
Iodine and nutrition
Iodine is an essential mineral for thyroid function, but people with autoimmune thyroid disease can be particularly sensitive to the effects of iodine, meaning that it can trigger or worsen hypothyroidism. They should inform their doctor if they are sensitive to the effects of iodine.
Certain medications, supplements and even some foods may affect your ability to absorb levothyroxine. Talk to your doctor if you eat large amounts of soy products or a high-fiber diet or you take other medications, such as:
- Iron supplements or multivitamins that contain iron
- Cholestyramine
- Aluminum hydroxide, which is found in some antacids
- Calcium supplements
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20155362
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163729.php
