Healthytalk8 When the thyroid hormone level is decreased in the body, causes underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.
Studies show that there are about 42 million people suffer from a thyroid issue in India, and hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism.
It is an endocrine disease means (when hormones do not work properly).
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front lower part of the neck, that produces the hormones.
It produces 2 hormones called T3 and T4, which travel through the bloodstream and affect every part of our body.
NOTE: If it rises in an adult then is called hypothyroidism, but if it is formed by birth, then is called cretinism.
Women are more prone to hypothyroidism than men, especially those over 60, but it can happen at any age.
Its early diagnosis can control it to a great extent, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can save you from the danger of getting it.
Symptoms of Unactive Thyroid
Contents
The signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid vary from person to person.
Here are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults. which include:
- Dry skin, due to dehydration
- Hair loss
- Hoarseness of voice
- Loss of libido (low s*x drive)
- Menstrual disturbance
- Abnormal body temperature and pulse rate
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- weight gain
- Constipation
- Hearing problem
- Face become expressionless
- Muscles weakness
Symptoms of underactive thyroid in babies
If a baby has an overactive thyroid called congenital hypothyroidism, then these symptoms may occur:
- Constipation
- Hoarse cry
- very slow growth
- low muscle tone
- very less eating
- Jaundice
- Stomach bloating
- cold hands and feet
- swollen tongue
Talk to your doctor, about the condition, they will do some tests to determine if you have hypothyroidism or some other disease.
Reasons for Unactive Thyroid
There are most common reasons for an underactive thyroid are:
Auto-immune disorder
Thyroid gland inflammation is an auto-immune disorder. In this, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.
Thyroiditis disorder may be caused by viral infection.
Patients having previous hypothyroidism could be the reason for it to happen again.
Check Out – Immune System: Disorder, Response, And More
Radiation Therapy
If someone has neck and head cancer they are treated with radiation therapy, which triggers the thyroid gland and causes swelling.
Swelling in the thyroid leads to unstable T3 and T4 hormones, which also make it more difficult for the gland to produce hormones.
Medications
Certain medicines that contain lithium, and iodine compounds also cause hypothyroidism.
However, medicines to treat heart diseases, and cancer can sometimes affect the production of thyroid hormones.
Iodine Deficiency
Lack of iodine deficiency can lead to goitre (a condition where swelling happens of the thyroid gland).
Problem with thyroid at birth
In this case, the thyroid gland does not develop correctly or does not work properly.
In India, the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism (by birth thyroid issue) is 1 in 2640 based on the 1998 study (2).
Underactive thyroid Effect in pregnancy
The fetus starts secretion of the thyroid hormone only at the end of the 3rd month and is fully functional by the 5th month.
Therefore, the baby is dependent on the mother for the thyroid hormone, until that stage.
NOTE: This thyroid is very important for the development of the brain and spinal cord of the baby.
If women have hypothyroidism and take medication, the pregnancy should be planned, If remain untreated it can cause:
- Miscarriage
- anemia,
- affects the overall growth and development of the baby
- low birth weight
- high Blood pressure
- Birth defects
How can a doctor diagnose it?
It can’t be diagnosed only based on symptoms, some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to the symptoms of pregnancy like:
- Constipation
- Weight gain
NOTE: That is why, as soon as your pregnancy comes positive, it is vital to do a blood test called TSH.
It usually continues throughout the pregnancy and can be stopped depending on the TSH levels after the delivery.
Types of Unactive Thyroid
There are main 5 secondary types of hypothyroidism such as:
Primary hypothyroidism
It occurs when the problem is with the thyroid gland itself.
Central hypothyroidism
Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when other problems interfere with the thyroid function.
Pituitary hypothyroidism
In this, if abnormality happens only in the pituitary gland, then is called pituitary or secondary hypothyroidism.
Hypothalamic hypothyroidism
The Hypothalamic is a gland in your brain that controls your hormone system.
When the hypothalamus fails to produce enough thyrotropin-releasing hormone then this leads to low thyroid hormone levels.
Cretinism
If the baby has had hypothyroidism since birth, then is called cretinism or congenital hypothyroidism.
Who is more at risk of this?
Factors that increase the risk of getting it. they include:
- Women have more chances of getting it, compared to men
- If someone in your family members has an autoimmune disease, then you may be at increased risk of getting it.
- White and Asian peoples
- Older people, especially those above 60
- Bipolar disorder
- Turner syndrome
- Patients having previous hypothyroidism are more at risk of this
- If a lady were pregnant in the past 6 months (2).
- Family history of thyroid disorder
- Surgery
TSH Normal level range
NOTE: If the TSH level is below 0.5 mU/L, then is suggested that the thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism)
The normal TSH range recommended is from (0.3/0.5 to 3.0/5.0).
If the TSH level is above 5.0 then is suggested that the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism)
How Doctor Diagnose It?
If the doctor sees any symptoms of hypothyroidism, the doctor may do some tests, which include:
Serum TSH
In this, the doctor checked T3 and T4 levels, to easily identify if the patient has hypothyroidism or not.
If its level comes less, then it means the patient has hypothyroidism.
However, some people may have increased TSH levels while having normal T4 levels this is called mild hypothyroidism (3)
Thyroid scanning
In this, doctors use radioisotope scans for several things like inflammation, and cancer risks.
The doctor also performs a physical exam and history.
Treatments for Underactive Thyroid
Medical Ways
If T3 and T4 thyroid hormones are absent in the body, then the doctor replaces the missing hormones by restoring them.
In metabolic dysfunction cases, there is a dehydration problem raised, then doctors provide fluid.
The specialist may also give patients hormonal therapy for example – In menstrual abnormality.
An underactive thyroid can be completely controlled with medicines, however, it can cause some side effects such as:
- Increased sweating
- Fatigue
- headache
- Tiredness
- Osteoporosis
- feel sad
- Lack of sleep
Make sure you get regular blood tests done to check thyroid levels. and take medicine from time to time.
For more information talk with your doctor because everyone’s health is different.
Natural way
A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in managing or preventing the risk of any disease.
Diet – a proper diet such as a limited amount of iodine is good for the thyroid gland to work properly.
Pregnant ladies need healthy food for the baby growth, consult the doctor that how much food intake is enough for both.
Check – 8 Super Ideal Foods That Are Eaten During Pregnancy
Healthy lifestyle -Do exercises at least 1 hour daily, whether is running, jogging, yoga, cycling, gym, etc can improve overall health.
Here are some ways that help you to live a healthy lifestyle such as:
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
- Eat a healthy diet, and never skip meals, but fasting is different from this
- Take enough sleep daily at least 7 to 8.
- Trust yourself, which improves self-esteem or confidence.
- Live happy life
- Do not go with bad things, always go with good things.
Check Out – Foods To Eat And Avoid For Overactive Thyroid Patient
Complications of Underactive Thyroid
An untreated underactive thyroid may cause complications such as:
- Irregular growth of the thyroid gland
- Sleep apnea
- Increase in the level of cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack.
- may disturb female hormones leads infertility
- Joint pain
- Mental health issues like – low focus, decreased interest in working, low mood, etc
- Heart problem
- Obesity changes your appetite, and metabolism work also slows down, due to which it is difficult to lose weight.
- Nerve injury
Down Line
Inactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) where weight gain, stomach issues, joint pain, and issues with periods are common symptoms.
Lack of iodine, medications, radiation therapy, by birth, and autoimmune disorders are common reasons for it.
By choosing a healthy lifestyle you can prevent several health issues like thyroid, diabetes, heart, and brain disease.
If you notice any abnormality then talk to the doctor where early diagnosis can prevent you from serious health issues.
