Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid does not produce enough hormones for the body to function properly. People with hypothyroidism may not notice any symptoms during the first onset of the condition. However, over time, hypothyroidism can cause multiple health problems like heart disease, joint pain, infertility, and obesity.
If a person has the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, they will want to make an appointment with their doctor. Early treatment with a synthetic hormone is the best treatment as long as the right dose is found.
Signs of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism will cause different symptoms depending on the person. Symptoms typically develop slowly, and many people do not notice them at all. When they do start to show, the symptoms include:
- Cold sensitivity - If a person starts not to be able to withstand cold temperatures, there may be an issue with the thyroid.
- Constipation - Due to the lack of hormones in the body, the digestive system will not function properly.
- Dry skin - Having dry skin, especially on the feet or legs, is an indication that hypothyroidism may be present.
- Fatigue - If a person feels tired all the time or feels tired right after waking up, this can be a symptom of low thyroid function.
- Weight gain - Weight gain and the inability to lose weight may be symptoms of thyroid issues.
- Hoarseness - Hoarseness can be caused by having issues with the thyroid.
- Puffy face - If a person deals with a puffy face, this could be an issue with the thyroid.
- Elevated cholesterol levels - Studies have shown that elevated cholesterol levels can be linked to hypothyroidism.
- Joint aches - Many people report having joint aches when dealing with having hypothyroidism.
- Muscle tenderness and pain - Pain in the muscles and tender muscles is also a symptom.
- Enlarged thyroid - An enlarged thyroid is a symptom of hypothyroidism. The thyroid may be huge, and that is what is known as a goiter.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
There are many medical issues that can cause hypothyroidism. These include:
- Autoimmune disease - There are several autoimmune diseases that can cause hypothyroidism. One is known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Thyroid surgery - If a person has had their thyroid removed due to cancer or whatever reason, they will need to be on a thyroid hormone for the rest of their life.
- Radiation therapy - If a person has had radiation therapy to the neck or head area, it can affect the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism.
- Medications - There are some medications that can cause hypothyroidism. Many drugs that are taken for certain mental disorders can affect the thyroid.
- Congenital disease - In some cases, infants are born without a thyroid gland or one that is defective.
- Pregnancy - Women who are pregnant may experience hypothyroidism. Some women will experience it after the pregnancy. It is important that a woman get this treated because it can increase the chance of premature delivery and miscarriage.
- Pituitary disorder - If there is a failure of the pituitary gland, this can cause the thyroid-stimulating hormone to not be produced enough.
- Iodine deficiency - If a person has an iodine deficiency, they may develop thyroid issues. Iodine is added to table salt. If a person is on a restricted salt diet, they may not get the iodine content that they need.
Treating Hypothyroidism
There is one main treatment for hypothyroidism, and that is the use of a synthetic thyroid medication. This medication is taken via pill, and it helps to regulate the hormones and reverse all the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The proper dosage will depend on the person and their symptoms. The doctor that a person chooses will work with them to ensure that they feel good on the dosage that they are on, and if not, they will adjust it until it works well. This treatment is very inexpensive and an easy fix to an issue that can have life-threatening consequences if it is left untreated.
If anyone has the symptoms of hypothyroidism, they should make an appointment today with their doctor. Their doctor will be able to do a simple blood test to see whether or not the thyroid is working as it should. If not, they can begin treatment and the person will start to feel better quickly.