Everything You Need to Know About Hypothyroidism

Endocrinology | by Dr. Kalyan Kumar Gangopadhyay | Published on 20/10/2023

Introduction

We live in a world that’s full of hectic work-life schedules and busy routines and our body has to face the load to maintain harmony within. There is one organ, named the thyroid- a butterfly-shaped organ that plays an important role in maintaining the symphony of balance. However, when it fails, it can lead to bad effects on our health and cause a condition referred to as hypothyroidism. If you suspect that you might have hypothyroidism, you can book your appointment with The Calcutta Medical Research Institute, one of the best multispeciality hospitals in Kolkata to know your treatment options. 

Hypothyroidism is usually known as an underactive thyroid, which is one of the common conditions but is a misunderstood health problem. In this blog, we will discuss everything related to hypothyroidism, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Kindly note that this blog is for informative purposes only and we do not encourage overlooking the doctor’s consultation in any way. 

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition that affects the thyroid gland. In this condition, glands cannot form sufficient thyroid hormones like thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Both of these hormones are vital for bodily regulations like metabolism. When the level of thyroid hormones is low, it can cause signs like weight gain, weight, intolerance to colds, etc. Treatment options usually are related to medication for missing hormone replacement. 

What are Hypothyroidism Symptoms?

Hypothyroidism symptoms might depend from person to person, however, there are common symptoms that should not be overlooked. Here are these common symptoms: 

• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle weakness 
• Pain in the joints 
• Heartbeat beat is slow 
• Depression 
• Memory issues 
• Dry skin 
• Constipation 

If you observe any of these signs, make sure to get in touch with a healthcare professional for the right diagnosis and treatment.

What are Hypothyroidism Causes?

Hypothyroidism has different causes and it is essential to diagnose them so that the right solution can be discovered. Here are some of the primary hypothyroidism causes: 

• Autoimmune thyroiditis- It is one of the most common causes and usually the immune system misunderstands the problem and as a result attacks the thyroid gland. 
• Iodine deficiency- Hypothyroidism occurs due to low iodine intake as the thyroid cannot produce sufficient hormones. 
• Thyroid surgery- People who have gone through thyroid surgery and the thyroid gland is removed, then they might suffer from hypothyroidism. 
• Medications- Certain medications can interrupt thyroid functionality. 
• Pituitary gland problems- Issues with the pituitary gland impact the thyroid stimulating hormone production and affect the production of thyroid hormone. 
• Congenital hypothyroidism people are born with an underactive thyroid gland leading to hypothyroidism. 
• Inflammation-Inflammation in the Thyroid gland can affect its function permanently or temporarily. 
• Age- With growing age, the risk of hypothyroidism keeps increasing.

How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

Hypothyroidism is usually diagnosed by several tests. First, the doctor will start with understanding the patient’s medical history, physical evaluation, and lab tests. Here are some of the ordered tests: 

• Medical history- The doctor will ask the patient about symptoms, family history, and earlier thyroid conditions. 
• Physical assessment- The doctor might look for physical signs of hypothyroidism like skin changes and reflexes. 
• Blood tests- They are ordered to measure thyroid hormone levels. The primary indicators are TSH and T4. 
• Antibody tests- In certain cases, an antibody test is performed to determine the presence of autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 
• Imaging tests- Imaging tests such as thyroid scan or ultrasound are ordered for assessing the thyroid gland size and condition.

What are the options available for hypothyroidism treatment?

Hypothyroidism treatment depends on an underlying cause and depending on the condition, here are the options that might be recommended by a doctor: 

• Synthetic thyroid hormone- It is a common treatment option recommended as this benefits in replacing the thyroid hormone that is missing and assists with the body's metabolism regulation. 
• Natural desiccated thyroid hormone- Some people often prefer this treatment option as it has both T3 and T4 hormones. 
• Liothyronine medications- In certain cases, the doctor might recommend T3 hormone supplements to relieve the symptoms. 
• Regular monitoring- It is vital to ensure monitoring of the levels of thyroid regularly via blood tests and manage medications as required. 
• Lifestyle changes- It is recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes eating green vegetables, and fruits, exercising daily, managing weight, etc. 
• Surgery- In severe cases, there might be a need for surgical procedures mainly when a patient has large goiter or thyroid nodules. 

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is among the most common conditions that require regular monitoring and considering treatment options on time to postpone any sort of risks. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can easily live your life healthily and fulfillingly. You must know that every individual experience is unique and treatment plans are made as per each patient’s requirement. So, you must ensure working with your doctor to manage the condition efficiently.

FAQ -

Can hypothyroidism be cured?

No cure is available for hypothyroidism but with the right treatment plans like thyroid replacement therapy, its symptoms can be reversed. 

Is corn good for hypothyroidism?

No, your doctor might recommend avoiding eating corn for a month to determine your food allergens. 

Are potatoes good for hypothyroidism?

People with hypothyroidism can eat potatoes only when it’s in its purest form. 

Does hypothyroidism cause weight gain?

Yes, hypothyroidism is linked to some weight gain.