Hypothyroidism: symptoms and treatment

Hypothyroidism occurs when a person has an underactive thyroid gland (ie. the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones). This can cause serious health conditions as thyroid hormones are vital for the normal functioning of all the cells in your body.

You might not notice any symptom early on but things might take a drastic turn at later if you don’t seek any medical care. You might start experiencing symptoms such as joint pain, infertility, obesity, and heart disease if you don't receive therapy. As such, you should schedule thyroid function tests in order to diagnose hypothyroidism early. 

What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

The symptoms depend on the severity of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) deficiency and tend to develop slowly.  Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depressions, dry skin, puffy face, a slowed heart rate, and enlarged thyroid gland or goiter. You may also experience thinning of hair, have impaired memory, and female patients might experience irregular periods.

What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Autoimmune thyroiditis causes your body’s immune system to attack the thyroid cells and enzymes that produce thyroid hormones. This causes hypothyroidism due to deficiency in thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Inappropriate iodine levels 

Most people get iodine from their foods and table salt. The iodine then travels through your blood to the thyroid gland where it is required for the production of thyroid hormones. For balanced thyroid hormone production, there should be the right amount of iodine in your blood. And taking too little or much of it could cause hypothyroidism.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland and affects the production of the thyroid hormones which can lead to hypothyroidism

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

Synthroid (Levothyroxine) is a synthetic thyroid hormone and is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is given orally to help restore normal levels of thyroid hormones. Restoring thyroid hormones to their normal levels will alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms. Synthroid therapy may also help to lower cholesterol levels and reverse any weight gain associated with hypothyroidism.

Natural Desiccated thyroid (ERFA Thyroid or Armor Thyroid) are also used to treat hypothyroidism. This medication was introduced in the late 1800's and are not as popular as Synthroid. These tablets are made from dried porcine thyroid and may produce an unpleasant odor and taste. Natural desiccated thyroid tablets are very effective in combating hypothyroidism since they contain thyroid hormones T4, T3, and T2