Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid cannot produce a normal amount of thyroid hormone. It is usually a genetic problem. Children born to the same parents have a one-in-four chance of developing this condition. This is why newborn babies undergo thyroid testing at birth. The results of this test may lead to further tests and imaging studies.
Symptoms
Hypothyroidism is a common condition that affects the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped organ produces hormones that are needed by the body and controls your metabolism. If the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, your metabolism will slow down. This will result in fatigue, thinning hair, and depression. If left untreated, the condition may also lead to a goiter, an enlarged thyroid gland.
There are several causes of hypothyroidism, but the most common is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This disease causes your immune system to make antibodies against your thyroid gland. These antibodies damage the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone. However, scientists are unsure exactly why these antibodies are produced and how they can cause hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism has two main causes: a primary cause and a secondary cause. In primary hypothyroidism, a malfunctioning thyroid gland is the main cause. In secondary hypothyroidism, another problem interferes with the pituitary gland, causing the thyroid to produce too little hormone.
The treatment of hypothyroidism includes taking medicine to replace the thyroid hormone in the body. After a few weeks, the level of this hormone is tested again to check whether the medication is working. Your health care provider may adjust the dose as necessary. It is important to follow all treatment instructions and never stop taking medicine without first consulting your health care provider.
If left untreated, low thyroid hormone levels can lead to a life-threatening condition known as myxedema. Patients suffering from this condition may lose consciousness and even go into a coma. It can also lead to a weaker grip strength. It can even be fatal.
Children with hypothyroidism may have a slow development period. This condition can lead to premature puberty in teenagers. Some women who are suffering from hypothyroidism may also have problems conceiving. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism may include joint pain, tendonitis, and memory lapses. Depression may also be caused by low thyroid hormone.
While it is rare to be born with hypothyroidism, it can affect a baby’s development. It is important for parents to check the levels of thyroid hormones during pregnancy. If the levels are low during pregnancy, treatment is recommended. If the problem is severe, the baby may need long-term treatment.
Causes
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. This can be due to a number of causes. Some of the causes include an infection or autoimmune disorder. In other cases, the thyroid gland may be damaged by radiation therapy. Some medications may increase the amount of thyroid hormone.
Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough of a thyroid stimulating hormone, resulting in low thyroid hormone levels. This is a much less common condition than primary hypothyroidism. The symptoms are more subtle and develop gradually. In older individuals, symptoms of secondary hypothyroidism may be mistaken for depression.
In many developing countries, the main cause of hypothyroidism is a lack of iodine in the diet. Fortunately, iodine has been added to salt, and many multivitamins now contain a sufficient amount to prevent hypothyroidism. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid drug therapy, which provides the body with synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine.
People with a family history of thyroid disease are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism. In addition, the condition is more common in women from middle age onwards. During pregnancy, the increased metabolic demands put greater demands on the thyroid gland. Approximately three to five out of every thousand women are diagnosed with hypothyroidism during pregnancy. If left untreated, pregnancy-induced hypothyroidism increases the risk of miscarriage and preterm delivery.
Infants with hypothyroidism may experience difficulty feeding, constipation, and difficulty growing. Children may also experience slow or delayed teething. In addition, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to intellectual disability and physical disability. As these symptoms develop, the best course of action is to consult a pediatrician.
Treatment for infants with hypothyroidism should begin as soon as possible after birth. This is essential to prevent intellectual disability, stunted growth, and cretinism syndrome. In some cases, severe hypothyroidism can lead to cognitive and memory problems that last well into childhood.
Hypothyroidism is also a risk factor for heart disease, as it raises cholesterol levels. It also may interfere with ovulation, making pregnancy difficult. Women with low thyroid hormone levels may experience joint pain, tendonitis, and difficulty concentrating. They may also experience memory problems, and may become disinterested in activities. Some women may develop permanent hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones. The good news is that this condition can be treated. Treatment focuses on replacing lost thyroid hormones. There are a few different options for treating hypothyroidism. Some treatments target the symptoms, while others target the root causes.
In recent years, guidelines for treating hypothyroidism have changed. Some physicians are now focusing more on symptom relief than biochemistry, which may be causing patients to become less satisfied with their treatments. This has led to an increase in patient complaints. The guidelines are changing in response to patient feedback.
In addition to addressing the symptoms, treatment for hypothyroidism involves increasing the dosage of thyroid hormones. This is a long-term strategy. It is important to monitor the levels of thyroid hormones, especially TSH, to monitor the thyroid’s activity. Increases in TSH are often required because hypothyroidism is a progressive disorder.
If hypothyroidism isn’t treated, it can lead to goiters, a lump that develops on the front of the neck. Goiters are usually painless, but can affect voice, breathing, and swallowing. Goiters can be treated with medication, or sometimes surgically. A person with an underactive thyroid may also be at risk of heart disease. This condition can worsen existing heart problems.
Replacement therapy for hypothyroidism involves taking synthetic hormones. These include T4 and T3, a combination of these hormones, and desiccated animal thyroid extract. The dosage of thyroid hormones is adjusted accordingly, based on the patient’s age, body mass index, and absorption. A pediatric patient should be treated with a low starting dose and then increase it slowly. Monitoring is important for six to eight weeks. Once the hormones are in the normal range, the patient can discontinue the therapy.
Pregnant women should be monitored for thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism can affect fertility, preventing ovulation and irregular periods. A recent study found that a third of women who had experienced infertility suffered from hypothyroidism. Most of them went on to conceive after taking the proper treatment for their condition. It’s important to seek proper treatment early to avoid risks to the mom and baby.
Complications
Hypothyroidism can have a number of serious complications. One of the most dangerous is myxedema, which is a life-threatening condition resulting from very low thyroid hormone levels. It can cause an individual to lose consciousness and even fall into a coma. Those with myxedema should be examined immediately by a doctor.
Other complications include peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness and tingling. People with hypothyroidism may also experience increased blood pressure and decreased libido. This condition can also impair mental functioning and lead to depression. If untreated, long-term hypothyroidism can damage peripheral nerves, which send signals from the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to pain and numbness, as well as muscle weakness.
Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can also interfere with fertility, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Untreated hypothyroidism may also lead to low birth weight and mental retardation in the fetus. As a result, it is very important to consult a physician before becoming pregnant.
Other complications of hypothyroidism include increased cholesterol and blood pressure, fluid around the heart, and muscle pain and weakness. Women with hypothyroidism can also experience infertility and menstrual irregularities. Furthermore, women with hypothyroidism have a higher risk of miscarriage during the early stages of pregnancy.
In severe cases, hypothyroidism can lead to complications of the heart and other organs. In severe cases, the patient may develop rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure, or pericardial effusion. Patients may also experience sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Complications of hypothyroidism range from mild to life-threatening. Moreover, hypothyroidism can lead to heart failure, infertility, and neurological problems. It is therefore important to monitor the condition carefully and follow any changes made to your medication. In case of severe hypothyroidism, patients should consult with their doctor before discontinuing any medications.
Other serious complications of hypothyroidism include birth defects and infertility. If not diagnosed and treated early, hypothyroidism can lead to a fetus with an abnormal thyroid gland. Fortunately, most newborns in the United States are tested for hypothyroidism. In such a case, doctors may recommend the removal of part of the thyroid gland. If necessary, surgery to remove this portion of the thyroid is performed.
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