Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder that is common particularly in women. Here is all that you need to know about this disorder. Also, check the overview of how you can manage hypothyroidism with ease.
Understanding the meaning of hypothyroidism:
The thyroid is a small gland in front of the neck, which produces hormones that helps your body in the regulation and use of energy. If the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones then the person is said to be suffering from hypothyroidism.
This underactive thyroid disorder affects more women than men. This disorder can occur at any age but it is usually seen in people who are above the age of 60 years.
Here are some of the signs and symptoms of this disorder:
The signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid disorder vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of this disorder are fatigue and weight gain and a puffy face. There can be many other symptoms and these include depression, constipation, slow heart rate, weakness in muscles, stiffness in muscles, pain in the muscles, pain, and stiffness in joints. As the age progresses more and more symptoms will appear.
Take a look at the causes of an underactive thyroid disorder:
Next in this hypothyroidism guide, we will see the causes of this disorder.
Autoimmune disease: The autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. In the case of autoimmune disease, the immune system produces antibodies that attack the tissues of the body including the thyroid gland. The ability of the thyroid gland to produce hormones gets affected.
- Hyperthyroidism treatment:
The production of more thyroid hormones is called hyperthyroidism. People with this issue are treated to get the thyroid gland functioning back to normal. But at times this can lead to a reduction in thyroid hormone production.
- Surgery of the thyroid gland:
The surgery of the thyroid gland can reduce or completely stop thyroid hormone production. In such cases, the person will have to take thyroid hormone forever.
- Radiation treatment:
People suffering from head or neck cancer will have to undergo radiation therapy and this can result in this disorder.
- Medicines:
Some medicines can cause this underactive thyroid disorder. For example, lithium which may be prescribed for certain psychiatric illnesses may result in underactive thyroid disorder.
- Other causes which may cause this disorder:
In this hypothyroidism guide 2021, we would also like to mention certain other causes that may result in this condition. Congenital diseases, pituitary disorder, pregnancy, iodine deficiency are some other causes that can lead to this disorder.
Now we will check the risk factors for this disorder:
- Women are more prone to this disorder as compared to men
- People who are 60 years and above are at risk of getting this disorder
- Those people who have a family history of thyroid problems are also more prone to this disorder
- People suffering from autoimmune diseases
- People who have received radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications and/or people who have received radiations on the neck or the upper chest areas
- Those who have undergone thyroid surgery
- Pregnancy
However, it must be noted that though these people are more at risk anyone can get this disorder.
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to complications:
You cannot ignore this disorder because if you leave it untreated then it can result in complications. We have mentioned some of the complications in our hypothyroidism guide.
- Goiter which can have an impact on the appearance and can also affect swallowing and breathing
- If left untreated then this disorder increases the risk of heart-related ailments
- It can have an impact on mental functioning and can lead to mental disorders like depression
- Damage to peripheral nerves is peripheral neuropathy which can lead to pain and numbness in the affected regions
- It can cause Myxedema
- It can interfere with ovulation and it can lead to infertility
- Children born to women with untreated thyroid disease are at a higher risk of birth defects as compared to the children of healthy mothers.
Tips that will help you manage hypothyroidism with ease:
Taking medicines on time is a must:
Make sure that you consult a specialist and take the prescribed medicines on time. Follow up with your doctor and follow his instructions properly to avoid any problems.
Do away with the sedentary lifestyle:
Due to this disorder, you may have gained more weight. You must take measures to lose this excess weight. For this, you need to follow an exercise regime. Make sure that you avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Keep a tab on the supplements that you take:
Keep in mind that if you are taking iron and calcium supplements then you must not take them along with your thyroid medicines. This is an important point of hypothyroidism guide 2021. This is because the calcium and iron can combine with the thyroid medicines and they will prevent the body from absorbing the same.
Important things that you need to check with your doctor:
Check with your doctor about how long you will have to take the medicines and how frequently you need to get your check-up done. You also need to check with the doctor details about your diet and the supplements that you must take. You can also check the exercises that can help you. Also, check about foods that you must avoid.
Hypothyroidism management is not very difficult but you need to follow certain instructions given by the medical expert religiously. Regular check-ups are also a must. In case you have symptoms that indicate that you might be suffering from this condition then consult your doctor at the earliest.
We would like to emphasize here that you must not practice self-medication, as this can be risky. Also, if you are suffering from this disorder then do not avoid taking medicines as it can have adverse effects on your health. Along with medicines and medical advice, make sure that you follow a healthy lifestyle.