Hypothyroidism Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Hypothyroidism?

It is a condition wherein the thyroid gland fails to make sufficient level of some significant hormones. Also known as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is common in females older than sixty years of age. The condition is known to disturb the balance of chemical reactions that take place in our body.

In rare cases, hypothyroidism sources indications in the initial stages. In many, symptoms arise gradually with the progression of the condition. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, then it can lead to several medical concerns, for example:

Heart disease.
Infertility.
Joint pain.
Obesity.

To detect it precisely, thyroid function tests are the best diagnostic tools. Treatment of underactive thyroid is often effective with synthetic thyroid hormone, once the right dosage is determined.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

Indications of the condition vary, relying upon the intensity of hormone deficiency. However, for many, symptoms develop gradually, say, after years. Initially, the signs are hardly noticeable, for example weight gain and fatigue. One would generally assume them to occur due to normal aging.

Though, as the metabolism tends to slow down progressively, more apparent symptoms may appear. These may include the following:

Dry skin.
Constipation.
Fatigue.
Hoarseness.
Puffy face.
Considerable weight gain.
Muscle weakness.
Muscle stiffness, tenderness and aches.
Sensitivity to cold.
Increased level of blood cholesterol.
Swelling, stiffness or pain in the joints.
Hair thinning.
Impaired memory.
Irregular menstrual period.
Depression.
Dropped heart rate.

In case the condition is left untreated, the aforementioned symptoms can slowly turn more intense.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

In case the thyroid fails to make sufficient hormones, then the normal balance of chemical reactions can become disturbed. Several triggers are identified to play a role in its instigation, these are as follow:

Radiation therapy.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Some drugs.
Autoimmune disease.
Thyroid surgery.

Rarely, hypothyroidism can be leaded due to any of the below mentioned triggers:

Iodine deficiency.
Pregnancy.
Pituitary disorder.
Congenital disease.

What Are The Risk Factors Of Hypothyroidism?

Even though, anyone can experience hypothyroidism, yet, one is more prone to develop in case:

Suffering from an autoimmune disease.
Is a woman and is above 60 years of age.
Has a direct relation with someone who has an autoimmune disease, for example grandparent or parent.
Received a treatment with anti-thyroid drugs or radioactive iodine.
Have a history of partial thyroidectomy.

How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?

The condition is detected on the basis of the following:

Blood tests.
Thorough details of the symptoms.

How Is Hypothyroidism Treated?

Clearly, the standard treatment applied for treating the condition is the daily usage of oral medications- synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (such as synthroid, levothroid or some other). In addition to this, the medications have proved to restore sufficient levels of hormones, as well as reversing the indications of hypothyroidism.

By : Natural Health News