Do you have these symptoms too? Let's talk about hypothyroidism!

Do you sometimes just feel tired? Do you feel like you've gained a little weight? Or do you just feel unwell? These things can happen for a variety of reasons. But sometimes the cause of this can be a small problem with your thyroid gland. That's what we're going to talk about today.

What is hypothyroidism? Let's find out simply!

Simply put, hypothyroidism is a condition in which the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in your neck does not produce enough thyroid hormones and release them into the blood. These hormones control many important functions in our body, especially our metabolism , which means producing energy and digesting food. So when these hormones are low, all these functions in our body run slowly. That is why sometimes we feel tired for no reason and gain weight. But don't worry! There is an easy blood test to identify this condition. Also, this is a condition that can be treated and controlled in most cases. Many people manage it well with medication and regular contact with their doctor. However, if it goes untreated for a long time, it can be a little dangerous. Therefore, if you develop new symptoms, it is very important to seek medical advice.

What are the main types of hypothyroidism?

There are four main types of this hypothyroidism condition. Let's take a look at what they are:

1. Primary hypothyroidism

This is the most common type. This is when your thyroid gland is directly affected and is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. This can be caused by an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto's disease – where your body's immune system attacks your thyroid gland – or by surgery or radiation therapy on your thyroid gland. During this time, the pituitary gland in your brain produces more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate your thyroid.

2. Secondary hypothyroidism

This is a bit rare. The problem here is not with the thyroid gland, but with the pituitary gland, a small bone at the base of your brain. If this gland is not working properly, it doesn't send the TSH hormone to the thyroid gland. Then the thyroid gland doesn't get the message to make hormones.

3. Tertiary hypothyroidism

This also happens because of a problem in another part of the brain, the hypothalamus . The hypothalamus is a part of our body that helps maintain homeostasis. If it doesn't make enough thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) , the pituitary gland can't make enough TSH. The result is a decrease in thyroid hormones.

4. Subclinical hypothyroidism

This is also called mild thyroid failure . What happens here is that your TSH level is only slightly elevated, but your other thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4) are within the normal range. In most cases, this condition resolves on its own within about three months.

How common is this condition called hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism can actually affect anyone, but it is more common in women over the age of 60 , especially after menopause .

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? See if you have these too!

Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually don't appear all at once. They develop slowly, sometimes over years. See if you have any of these symptoms:

• Brain fog - This means forgetting things and having difficulty concentrating.
• Depression and Anxiety - Feelings of sadness and fear.
• Dry, rough skin and hair.
• Increased blood cholesterol levels .
• Feeling tired all the time ( Fatigue ).
• For women, frequent or heavy menstruation .
• Hoarseness of voice .
• Inability to bear the cold.
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the hands.
• Facial changes - such as drooping eyelids and swelling around the eyes.
• Muscle pain or weakness.
• Weight gain without any reason.

Important: If you have one or more of these symptoms, please inform your doctor. They can perform the necessary tests to confirm whether this is hypothyroidism or not.

Why does hypothyroidism occur? What are the main causes?

The main cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease . As we mentioned earlier, this is an autoimmune disease.. That is, your own body's immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland. But, this is not the only reason. There can be other reasons:

• Some medications - for example, medications like lithium, thalidomide, and amiodarone .
• Conditions present at birth - Some people are born without a thyroid gland, or with a thyroid gland that doesn't work properly.
• Iodine deficiency - Not getting enough iodine in the body.
• Pituitary gland disorders - things like non-cancerous tumors.
• Thyroiditis - This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This can occur after a viral fever or during pregnancy .

Who is at higher risk of developing hypothyroidism?

Although anyone can develop this condition, the risk is slightly higher if you are a woman , or if any of the following apply to you:

• Having another autoimmune disease.
• Someone in the family (parents, siblings) has this condition (genetic predisposition).
• Having had previous thyroid surgery (e.g., thyroidectomy).
• Being pregnant.
• Having previously received radiation therapy to the neck and head area.
• Starting or stopping certain medications.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

With proper treatment, complications from hypothyroidism are rare. However, if left untreated for a long time , other health problems can develop. Some examples are:

• Goiter - enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Heart disease.
• Infertility.
• Miscarriages or birth defects.
• Peripheral neuropathy - damage to the nerves in the limbs.
• Myxedema coma - This is a very rare, but potentially life-threatening, serious complication that can affect multiple organs in the body.

How is this disease accurately diagnosed? (Diagnosis)

When a doctor examines you, they will first feel your neck to see if your thyroid gland is swollen. They will then ask about your symptoms and any previous medical conditions you have. However, to confirm hypothyroidism, they will need to do thyroid blood tests.This is because the symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases. These blood tests measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and other thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in your blood. Sometimes, you may also need imaging tests of your thyroid gland. These include:

• Ultrasound examination.
• A CT scan (CT - computed tomography scan).
• Thyroid uptake scan - This is a special scan related to nuclear medicine.

What are the treatments for hypothyroidism?

The main and most common treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy . This is a medication called levothyroxine (brand names include Synthroid®, Levo-T®). This medication works by replacing the hormones your thyroid gland is unable to produce. Most people take this medication in the morning on an empty stomach. When you take this medication regularly , your hormone levels will balance and your symptoms will go away. However, it can take some time to find the right dose for you. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to make sure your TSH levels are within normal limits.

The important thing is that you will need to take this hypothyroidism medication for the rest of your life . If you manage it properly and stay in regular contact with your doctor, you can live a normal, healthy life.

How soon will I feel better after starting the medication?

Your hormone levels will start to balance as soon as you start taking medication like levothyroxine. However, it can take several weeks to see a reduction in symptoms. Remember, if you stop taking the medication, your symptoms may return.

Is there a way to prevent hypothyroidism?

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent hypothyroidism. However, if you experience any of the symptoms we discussed earlier, it is best to see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and help you stay healthy.

Is this a completely curable disease?

There is currently no cure for hypothyroidism. However, the condition can be successfully managed with hormone replacement therapy .

How long does hypothyroidism last?

Hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition . If you are diagnosed with this condition, you will need to take daily medication to control your thyroid hormone levels.

What is the outlook if treatment is given? (Outlook)

If someone with hypothyroidism is treated properly, the outlook is very good . If left untreated, life-threatening complications such as myxedema can occur.

When should I see a doctor?

If you develop symptoms of hypothyroidism (e.g., weight gain, dry skin, frequent fatigue), tell your doctor. They will run tests to rule out other conditions. If you are already taking medication for hypothyroidism, tell your doctor if your symptoms return or persist. They may need to adjust your medication dosage.

When should you go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you experience the following symptoms, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room :

• Difficulty breathing.
• Extreme lethargy.
• Decreased body temperature (Hypothermia).
• Low blood pressure (Hypotension).
• Slow heartbeat (Bradycardia).

These symptoms may indicate a life-threatening condition called myxedema . If you experience anything like this, seek immediate treatment!

Can hypothyroidism develop during pregnancy?

People with underactive thyroid, especially those with primary hypothyroidism, are at increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications (e.g., gestational hypertension , postpartum hemorrhage) . However, with regular thyroid function tests and proper medication, you can have a healthy pregnancy. If you have hypothyroidism and think you might be pregnant, ask your doctor about how to manage this condition.

Do young children also develop hypothyroidism?

Some people are born with an underactive thyroid gland, or no thyroid gland at all. Doctors call this congenital hypothyroidism . Doctors test all newborns for hypothyroidism because thyroid hormones are essential for a baby's growth and brain development. If your baby has congenital hypothyroidism, your doctor will likely start treatment in the first few weeks of life to prevent intellectual disabilities and developmental delays .

Is this something that comes from generations?

Sometimes, but not always. Hypothyroidism can be inherited from parents to children. But in most cases, it is also caused by environmental factors, such as thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, and taking certain medications .

Does hypothyroidism really make you fat?

Yes, hypothyroidism can cause you to gain weight if left untreated. Many people lose weight after starting hormone replacement therapy. However, a diet and exercise plan that works for youIt's best to talk to your doctor about it.

What happens if left untreated?

If left untreated, hypothyroidism is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition .

Does hypothyroidism cause anxiety?

Yes, you can. In fact, any thyroid disorder can cause both anxiety and depression . However, hypothyroidism is the main cause of this. Ask your doctor about ways to reduce stress and practice mindfulness.

Finally, the most important things to remember! (Take-Home Message)

Fatigue, brain fog, depression, and unexplained weight gain are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. If these warning signs start to creep into your daily life, it can be a bit scary. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can be life-threatening. However, the good news is that with medication, you can live a symptom-free life. If you feel like something is wrong, see a doctor for advice. They can run tests, diagnose the condition, and recommend the right treatment to get you back on track. The most important thing is to stay calm, stay informed, and follow your doctor's advice! Thyroid, Hypothyroidism, Hormones, Metabolism, Symptoms, Treatment, Thyroid