Your thyroid gland doesn’t generate enough of a few important hormones when you have hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. Early on, hypothyroidism may not show any obvious signs. Obesity, joint discomfort, infertility, and heart disease are just a few of the health issues that untreated hypothyroidism can lead to over time. To identify hypothyroidism, accurate thyroid function tests are available. Once you and your doctor determine the proper amount for you, treating with artificial thyroid hormone is typically easy, safe, and effective. One shouldn’t make a wrong decision to achieve the question of how to boost the thyroid naturally.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism:
Depending on how severe the hormone shortage is, several signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may be present. Problems frequently emerge gradually over a period of years. The signs of hypothyroidism, such as weariness and weight gain, may first go unnoticed. Or you could just blame them for getting older. However, as your metabolism continues to slow, you could experience more pronounced issues.
Among the indications and symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue
- higher sensitivity to the cold
- Constipation
- Gaining weight Dry skin
- swollen face
- Hoarseness
- muscle tremor
- increased blood cholesterol
- Aches, soreness, and stiffness of the muscles
- joint discomfort, stiffness, or edema
- irregular or heavier-than-normal menstrual cycles
- balding hair
- diminished heart rate
- Depression
- reduced memory
- a thyroid gland that is larger (goiter)
Hyperthyroidism in infants:
Although middle-aged and older women are most frequently affected by hypothyroidism, anybody, even infants, can get the ailment. Babies who are born without a thyroid gland or with a thyroid gland that isn’t functioning properly may not exhibit many symptoms at first. When neonates do experience hypothyroidism-related issues, these issues could be: Whites of the eyes and skin become yellow or jaundice. The majority of the time, this happens when a baby’s liver is unable to process bilirubin, a chemical that normally develops as the body recycles old or broken red blood cells.
- a big tongue that sticks out.
- trouble breathing
- shrill crying
- a hernia in the umbilicus.
Infants with the condition may have difficulty feeding and may not grow and develop correctly. They might have also:
- Constipation
- muscle tone issues
- extreme drowsiness
- Even modest cases of newborn hypothyroidism can cause serious physical and mental impairment if untreated.
Hyperthyroidism in children and teens:
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children and adolescents are generally the same as those in adults, however, they may also include:
- Short stature is the outcome of poor growth.
- delayed permanent tooth emergence delayed puberty
- undeveloped mental capacity
Causes of hyperthyroidism:
Your body’s chemical processes may be out of balance if your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones. There are numerous potential reasons, including autoimmune diseases, medicines, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, and treatments for hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is a tiny gland with a butterfly-like structure that is located at the front of your neck, directly below your Adam’s apple. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two thyroid hormones, have a profound effect on your health and regulate every element of your metabolism. Vital processes like controlling heart rate and body temperature are also influenced by these hormones.
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones, hypothyroidism develops. There are numerous potential causes of hypothyroidism, including:
-
Autoimmune illness:
An autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most typical cause of hypothyroidism. When the immune system creates antibodies that target your own tissues, autoimmune illnesses develop. Your thyroid gland is occasionally involved in this process. Although scientists are unsure of the exact cause, they believe that a mix of elements, including your genes and an environmental trigger, may be at play. Regardless of how it occurs, these antibodies interfere with the thyroid’s capacity to make hormones.
-
overreaction to treatment for hyperthyroidism:
Radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medicines are frequently used to treat people producing too much thyroid hormone or hyperthyroidism. The purpose of these treatments is to restore normal thyroid function. However, treating hyperthyroidism occasionally has the unintended side effect of permanently reducing thyroid hormone production.
-
Thyroid operation:
Hormone production can be reduced or stopped if all or a significant piece of your thyroid gland is removed. If so, you will require thyroid hormone for the rest of your life.
-
Radiation treatment:
Your thyroid gland may be harmed by radiotherapy used to treat head and neck malignancies, which could result in
-
Medications:
Several drugs may be a factor in hypothyroidism. Lithium is one such drug that is used to treat specific psychiatric conditions. Ask your doctor about the medication’s impact on your thyroid gland if you take one.
-
Congenital illness:
Some newborns are either born without a thyroid gland or with one that is damaged. Some kids have a hereditary form of the condition, but most thyroid disorders are the result of the thyroid gland failing to develop normally for unexplained reasons. Infants with congenital hypothyroidism frequently start out life looking normal. Because of this, the majority of states now mandate newborn thyroid screening.
-
Pituitary dysfunction:
Failure of the pituitary gland to produce adequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a relatively uncommon cause of hypothyroidism and is typically brought on by a benign pituitary tumor.
-
Pregnancy:
Postpartum hypothyroidism is a condition that affects some women during or after pregnancy and is frequently brought on by the production of antibodies against the mother’s own thyroid gland. The risk of miscarriage, early birth, and preeclampsia—a disorder that significantly raises a woman’s blood pressure during the final three months of pregnancy—increases if hypothyroidism is untreated. Additionally, the growing fetus may be negatively impacted.
-
Iodine shortage:
The generation of thyroid hormones depends on the trace mineral iodine, which is predominantly present in seafood, seaweed, plants growing in iodine-rich soil, and iodized salt. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, and iodine overdose can exacerbate hypothyroidism in those who already have it. Iodine shortage is common in several parts of the world, although the addition of iodine to table salt
Risks:
Although anyone can have hypothyroid, the following factors put you at higher risk:
- Being a woman
- Over the age of 60
- Have thyroid illness running in your family
- Possess an autoimmune illness, such as celiac disease or type 1 diabetes
- Have received treatment with radioactive iodine or thyroid-blocking drugs
- Received radiation in your upper chest or neck
- You underwent thyroid surgery or partial thyroidectomy
- Have given birth or become pregnant within the previous six months
Complications:
- Goiter: A goiter is a condition where the thyroid gland enlarges due to persistent stimulation to release more hormones. Large goiters can impact your look and may cause breathing or swallowing difficulties, despite the fact that they are typically not unpleasant.
- Heart issues: Because individuals with an underactive thyroid might have high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, generally known as the “bad” cholesterol, hypothyroidism may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease and heart failure.
- concerns with mental health: Early signs of hypothyroidism can include depression, which over time may worsen. Slower mental activity can also be a symptom of
- Neuralgia of the periphery: Peripheral nerve injury can result from untreated hypothyroidism over a long period of time. These nerves provide data from the brain and spinal cord to the remaining parts of your body, such as your arms and legs. In the affected areas, peripheral neuropathy may result in pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Myxedema: Long-term, untreated hypothyroidism is the cause of this uncommon, potentially fatal illness. Extreme tiredness and cold sensitivity are among its signs and symptoms, which are followed by severe lethargy and coma.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism:
Numerous symptoms of hypothyroidism exist and might differ from person to person. Several typical signs 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
- Depression
Since hypothyroidism develops gradually, you might not experience any symptoms for months or even years. Many of these signs and symptoms, including weariness and weight gain, are typical and may not always indicate thyroid issues.
How do diet and nutrition affect hypothyroidism:
Iodine is used by your thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. However, you can be more susceptible to the negative effects of iodine if you have Hashimoto’s disease or another sort of autoimmune thyroid illness. Eating foods high in iodine, such as kelp, dulse, or other varieties of seaweed, may cause or exacerbate hypothyroidism. Supplementing with iodine can have the same result.
Speak with your medical team members about
- Iodine supplements
- Regarding what meals to limit or avoid.
- Any cough medicines you use, as they can include iodine.
Because the baby obtains iodine from your food while you are pregnant, you need more iodine. How much iodine you require should be discussed with your doctor.
How do doctors treat hypothyroidism:
The hormones that your own thyroid can no longer produce are replaced in the course of treatment for hypothyroidism. You will be prescribed levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone that is the exact same as the hormone that a healthy thyroid produces. This medication, which is typically taken in pill form, is also offered as a liquid and a soft gel capsule. These more recent formulations might make it easier for persons with digestive issues to absorb thyroid hormone. Your doctor might advise taking the medication first thing in the morning, before food.
About 6 to 8 weeks after you start taking the medication, your doctor will perform a blood test on you and, if necessary, increase your dose. You will have another blood test following each change in your dose. Your doctor will likely repeat the blood test after you’ve found a dosage that works for you once every six months and once a year.
As long as you follow the prescribed dose of thyroid hormone medication as directed, your hypothyroidism is likely entirely under control. Never discontinue taking the medication without first consulting your doctor. Taking thyroid hormone medications in excess can result in serious problems.
Hypothyroidism and depression:
Your body’s natural processes are slowed down when thyroid hormone levels are low. Numerous symptoms, such as exhaustion, weight gain, and even despair, may result from this. In a tiny study from 2016, it was discovered that participants with hypothyroidism had symptoms of depression in 60% of cases. A variety of mental health issues can be brought on by hypothyroidism. This can make hypothyroidism diagnosis challenging. Doctors may think about testing for an underactive thyroid before developing a treatment plan for mental health concerns.
Additionally, the two disorders have symptoms that could set them apart from one another. Hair loss, dry skin, and constipation are typical symptoms of hypothyroidism. These conditions wouldn’t be expected if depression were the only factor. A diagnosis of depression is frequently made on the basis of symptoms and medical background. A physical examination and blood tests are used to identify low thyroid function. Your doctor can prescribe these tests to provide a conclusive diagnosis and determine whether there is a connection between your depression and thyroid function. If hypothyroidism is the only factor contributing to your depression, treating the thyroid condition should alleviate it. If not, your doctor might recommend drugs to treat both diseases. They’ll gradually change your dosages until your hypothyroidism and depression are better controlled.
Hypothyroidism and weight loss:
Any weight you put on as a result of low hormone levels may be lost once your hypothyroidism has been corrected. That’s because your capacity to control your weight returns to normal after your thyroid levels are stabilized. If losing weight is a goal for you even while you’re treating hypothyroidism, you might still be able to achieve so. To achieve or maintain moderate weight, adopt a healthy food plan and an exercise regimen with the help of a physician, certified dietitian, or personal trainer.
Take Away
People who have severe hypothyroidism or heart disease may begin taking synthetic hormones at modest doses and then gradually raise them so that their hearts can get used to them. Your hormones shouldn’t cause any negative effects after you’ve got the right dosage. But keep taking your medication; skipping doses could make your hypothyroidism symptoms worse.
Mars by GHC is a one-stop digital health clinic for men. We are into wellness in categories like hair, beard, performance, skin, and weight management.
