What is hypothyroidism:? How It Causes and Symptoms of It
Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. Thyroid hormones control the way your body uses energy, so they affect nearly every organ in your body, even the way your heart beats. Without enough thyroid hormones, many of your body’s functions slow down.
Who is more likely to develop hypothyroidism?
Women are much more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism. The disease is also more common among people older than age 60.1
You are more likely to have hypothyroidism if you
* had a thyroid problem before, such as a goiter
* had surgery or radioactive iodine to correct a thyroid problem
* received radiation treatment to the thyroid, neck, or chest
* have a family history of thyroid disease
* were pregnant in the past 6 months
* have Turner syndrome NIH external link, a genetic disorder that affects women
Your thyroid is also more likely to be underactive if you have other health problems, including.
Is hypothyroidism during pregnancy a problem?
Left untreated, hypothyroidism during pregnancy can affect both mother and baby. However, thyroid medicines can help prevent problems and are safe to take during pregnancy. Many women taking thyroid hormone medicine need a higher dose during pregnancy, so contact your doctor right away if you find out you’re pregnant.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism has many symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include
* fatigue
* weight gain
* trouble tolerating cold
* joint and muscle pain
* dry skin or dry, thinning hair
* heavy or irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems
* slowed heart rate
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis, an inflammation of your thyroid, causes stored thyroid hormone to leak out of your thyroid gland. At first, the leakage increases your blood’s hormone levels, leading to thyroid icons, a condition in which thyroid hormone levels are too high. The thyroid icons may last for many months. After that, your thyroid may become underactive and, over time, the condition may become permanent, requiring thyroid hormone replacement.
Congenital hypothyroidism
Some babies are born with a thyroid that is not fully developed or does not work properly. If untreated, congenital hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability NIH external link and growth failure—when a baby doesn’t grow as expected. Early treatment can prevent these problems. That’s why most newborns in the United States are tested for hypothyroidism.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. It is more common in women and older individuals, and risk factors include a history of thyroid problems, thyroid-related treatments, family history of thyroid disease, and certain health conditions.
During pregnancy, untreated hypothyroidism can have adverse effects on both mother and baby, but thyroid medications can help manage the condition safely during this period.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary but often include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, skin and hair changes, menstrual irregularities, and slow heart rate.
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