Hypothyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment To Reduce The Future Health Risk

19 Nov, 2021 by Admin

Men and women both contract various conditions, but some health issues affect women more commonly and differently. Urinary tract infections, depression, anxiety, sexually transmitted diseases, heart issues, diabetes, etc., are the most common diseases. Hypothyroidism is another such medical issue which women are more likely to have than men. One in eight women suffers from thyroid problems during her lifetime.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when your body doesn't deliver sufficient thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-formed organ placed at the front of your neck. It releases hormones to assist your body with regulating & using energy.

Your thyroid is liable for giving energy to essentially every organ in your body. It controls capacities, for example, how your heart beats and how your digestive system functions. Without the perfect measure of thyroid hormones, your body's regular functions start to dial back. Also known as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism influences women more than men. It usually influences people over 60 years of age; however, it can start at an early age.

If you don't have enough thyroid hormones, your body processes slow down. That implies your body makes less energy, and your digestion becomes drowsy.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Some common symptoms include –

• Elevated cholesterol
• Constipation
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• Dry skin
• Depression
• Dry hair and hair loss
• Greater sensitivity to cold
• Problems with memory
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches and stiffness
• Puffy face
• Muscle weakness
• Hoarse voice
• Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Slow heart rate
• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

Some Common Causes of Hypothyroidism –

• Radioactive iodine treatment
• Use of certain medications
• Radiation therapy to the neck region
• Thyroid surgery
• Pituitary gland damage or disorder
• Pregnancy

How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism depends on your symptoms and blood tests results that show the degree of TSH and sometimes the thyroid hormone thyroxine. A low degree of thyroxine and a significant degree of TSH demonstrate an underactive thyroid. That is because your pituitary produces more TSH with an effort to fuel your thyroid organ into delivering more thyroid hormone.

TSH tests additionally assume a significant role in managing hypothyroidism. They assist your PCP with deciding the correct drug dosage. Furthermore, TSH tests are done to diagnose a condition called subclinical hypothyroidism, which usually doesn't have any symptoms or side effects. In this condition, you have normal triiodothyronine and thyroxine blood levels, yet higher than typical degrees of TSH.

Certain factors can influence blood tests for thyroid issues. One is the blood-thinning medication called heparin. One more is biotin, a nutrient taken as an independent enhancement or a multivitamin component. Tell your PCP about any drugs or enhancements you take before having done your blood lab tests online.

Hypothyroidism Treatment

People diagnosed with hypothyroidism are prescribed a synthetic (human-made) thyroid hormone T4 to be taken daily. Certain different drugs can meddle with how your body retains synthetic thyroid chemicals. Make sure your doctor knows pretty much every one of the meds, herbs, and supplements you take, including over-the-counter items.

Always keep a check on your body by consulting your doctor & booking lab tests online at regular intervals. These tests will check for underlying issues with the thyroid gland, thyroid gland action, and any tumors that might be creating issues. If the results are expected, your doctor will probably recommend medicine to control your thyroid activity. In addition, they will suggest additional thyroid function tests to ensure the medicines are working effectively.