Thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are produced by the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland does not create enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs, hypothyroidism occurs. Hypothyroidism is also known as underactive thyroid and is a very common condition.
What is hypothyroidism and how does it affect you?
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces and releases an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone into the bloodstream. This turns your metabolism slower. Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, causes fatigue, weight gain, and an inability to tolerate cold temperatures. Hormone replacement therapy is the most common treatment for hypothyroidism.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism has a wide range of symptoms due to the fact that thyroid hormones affect various organ systems. Its symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Constipation
- Numbness and tingling sensations in hands
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Higher blood cholesterol levels
- Dry skin and hair
- Decline in sexual desire
- Weather intolerance
- Heavy and frequent menstrual cycles
- Changes in physical appearance such as drooping eyelids, puffiness in the eyes and face etc.
- Hoarser and lower voice
- Forgetfulness or brain fog
What causes hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid).
- Hyperthyroidism treatment (radiation and surgical removal of the thyroid).
- Iodine insufficiency (a lack of iodine in your body, which the thyroid utilises to manufacture hormones).
- Hereditary diseases (a medical condition passed down through your family).
- Postpartum thyroiditis (thyroiditis after pregnancy).
- Thyroiditis as a result of a viral infection.
Hypothyroidism during Pregnancy
Thyroid hormones play a critical role in your baby's development while in the womb. These hormones help brain and nervous system development. It's critical to keep your thyroid levels under control throughout pregnancy if you have hypothyroidism.
What is the treatment of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a treatable condition. You will, however, need to take medication for the rest of your life to balance the amount of hormones in your body. Thyroid hormone supplementation is the mainstay of hypothyroidism treatment.
Doctors can suggest you TSH, T3, and T4 tests and others to diagnose the condition.
Increasing your hormone levels may be as simple as consuming foods high in iodine. The foods that are high in iodine are- eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, and fish, edible seaweeds and iodized salt.
You can live a normal and healthy life with careful management and follow-up meetings with your healthcare practitioner to ensure your treatment is working properly.
To get tested or monitored for your thyroid hormones, rbowse through TSH thyroid test price online and opt for the best labs like Agilus Diagnostics today.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
