When something is wrong with our system, our body is the first to signal us. And in order to find out what our condition is, we need to be alert and we should observe. Have you ever heard of a medical condition called “Hypothyroidism?” Or do you know anyone who has this condition? Are you aware of any hypothyroidism symptoms? Does it vary between the two genders? Let’s enter the world of having hypothyroidism.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is when the body lacks a hormone called “thyroid.” The thyroid hormone is the one in charge with managing the body’s metabolism. To simplify, hypothyroidism is a condition where the body suffers slow metabolism. But how can you tell if you are already suffering from hypothyroidism symptoms? Are these symptoms so obvious that it can immediately cause an alarm or are the hypothyroidism symptoms silent; wherein one can’t notice that there is already something wrong with their body?
We have a thyroid gland located in front of our neck which is composed of two lobes that lie along the trachea. These lobes are linked together by what we call “isthmus,” which is a band of a thyroid tissue. The thyroid gland is so small that it weighs no more than an ounce.
During the baby’ development stage, when one is still inside the womb, the thyroid gland can be found at the back of the tongue. Then, it moves in front of the neck as we evolve before birth. However, there are times where the thyroid fails to move in front of our neck and stays at the back of our tongue; this is called “lingual thyroid,” but is very rare. If you are a man, the thyroid gland is just below your Adam’s apple wherein it is below the larynx for women.
How does the thyroid work?
To understand hypothyroidism, we should first know what thyroid is and how it works. Thyroid is a hormone essential for running our metabolism. The thyroid gland’s function is to take iodine and convert it to become thyroid hormones. Be reminded that only thyroid cells have the capability to absorb iodine, then combine it with amino acids tyrosine to create T4 (Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine) which are to be drizzled throughout the body.
These thyroid hormones are so important that all cells depend upon them for their metabolism. It converts oxygen and calories into energy. A normal thyroid gland should produce more or less 80% of T4 and 20% of T3; although T3 is considered a stronger hormone than T4.
What controls the thyroid gland? Well, it is controlled by our pituitary gland which is located at the base of our brain. The pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormones (THS) whenever the levels of T4 and T3 drop. This TSH produces more T4 and T3 cells but it escalates one’s blood levels.
What controls the pituitary gland? Behind the pituitary gland that releases TSH is the hypothalamus, a part of the brain which stimulates the pituitary gland if ever it has the need to release TSH. For a better understanding, imagine the hypothalamus being a person who is in charge of regulating a thermostat, which in this case is the pituitary gland and the thyroid hormones are heat. Therefore, whenever the heat gets back to the thermostat, it automatically turns off but when the room gets a little cold, the thermostat is again turned on and the furnace is in need to produce more heat again.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is majorly caused by two things: it is a result of (1) a previous or a present inflammation of the thyroid gland and (2) some medical treatments.
Inflammation of the thyroid gland damages a large part of the thyroid, causing it to be inactive. Therefore, it becomes incapable of producing enough hormones as the body demands. Thyroid gland failure is commonly caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which means that the thyroid’s inflammation is caused by one’s own immune system.
Medical treatments that cause hypothyroidism are operations which need to remove a portion or the whole thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is acquired after a surgery, when the thyroid-producing cells can no longer cope with the body’s need. Surgeries like this are not that common. Other surgeries are not cause for worry since it leaves the other half of the thyroid gland as is and therefore, the remaining thyroid gland is still able to meet the body’s need for thyroid hormones. However, for some people, as years pass, the thyroid slowly just cannot keep up with the body’s needs anymore.
Other causes of hypothyroidism are rare like those people who completely have the thyroid gland but it does not function properly, maybe because of a problem in the pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
It is important to know all the hypothyroidism symptoms in order to treat it as early as you can. These symptoms may not be experienced by everyone who is suffering from this condition, but preparedness and prevention is better than treating it..
Here is a hypothyroidism symptoms checklist:
Fatigue
Stress
Weight gain caused by slow metabolism
Dry hair
Rough skin
Pale skin color
Hair loss
You cannot adjust to a low temperature like other people normally do
Muscle problems
Depression
Constipation
Memory loss
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Decrease in sex drive
You can see that these hypothyroidism symptoms list is for all. However, notice that some of these symptoms, like abnormal menstrual cycle is fitted as to hypothyroidism symptoms for women and it does not actually cause an alarm since it is somehow common for all women.
Also take note that this is just a list of symptoms of hypothyroidism. It does not mean that every hypothyroidism patient experiences all of these symptoms. Some experience two or more while other patients experience one main symptom that they might be complaining about all the time. It actually varies from how much the body is deprived by the needed thyroid hormones or how long it has been since the body has started to be deprived.
Hypothyroid symptoms are actually the same for men and women. They only differ in having an irregular menstrual cycles and delayed sexual growth for women like the growing of breasts or change of voice for men.
If you are going to examine these symptoms of hypothyroidism, you will be able to analyze that almost all are common body problems which would not lead anyone into thinking that they are already having hypothyroidism. Scared? Ask yourself and think if you have any of these symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Once you’ve had these hypothyroidism symptoms or have experienced this medical condition, consult with your physician. A consultation with a specialist is advised for your safety and for further knowledge regarding the disorder.
Dangers of Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland exerts too much effort in the chance to produce enough thyroid hormones that the body needs, a stressed thyroid gland may turn out to be enlarged and become goiter. Hypothyroidism shall also be treated with urgency to avoid more severe complications like depression, heart failure, and be in a state of comatose.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Besides feeling hypothyroidism symptoms, this disorder may be diagnosed by having a blood test. Remember that “hypo” means too little and “thyroidism” is the term used for disease of the thyroid. Therefore, measuring the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood does the trick. The blood test is available for anyone and it is sure to give accurate results.
When can you tell that thyroid hormone levels are too low or too high? The best way to be sure is to let doctors interpret blood test results. They are the ones who can and will explain to you about how normal your results are. Your physician shall be able to answer your queries.
Treatment: Does it work for everyone?
We should keep in mind that no patient is the same. This also goes for those who suffer from the hypothyroidism condition. Some of the patients are diagnosed as having mild hypothyroidism with some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism while it does not go well for some and ends up having a severe hypothyroidism condition.
It is a big factor that you and your physician talk about what symptoms of hypothyroidism you are feeling for him to be able to give proper precautions and treatment that would suit one’s needs.
A common treatment used for hypothyroidism patients are thyroid hormone replacement pills. After taking some of this, thyroid function test results become normal again. To help the patient get better, this medication is mixed with other medicines suitable for treating other hypothyroidism symptoms. It is also essential to look for a specialist who is willing to listen since patients with hypothyroidism should rely on the physician’s capabilities in order to treat the thyroid condition so that it can meet the body’s daily need of thyroid gland hormones.
The best way to treat hypothyroidism is to take a thyroid hormone pill that is recommended to be taken before breakfast since this is the time of the day wherein your thyroid level is just starting to rise. A doctor’s prescription is needed since there are different dosages available and it is vital for people to have medications that should meet one’s needs. Follow up check-ups are mandated in order to observe one’s thyroid hormone level. This is also where your physician needs you to be open about what symptoms of hypothyroidism you are currently feeling intertwined with what medications you should take and how you feel about these medications.
Some patients only need a week or two after taking medication to feel an improvement in one’s system. However, a full body metabolic restoration is often delayed for a month or two before one is to feel completely normal. Too much or too little amount of thyroid hormone given may result in fatigue or other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Dosage of medications can be vital especially for the patients who are also having heart diseases since even a small excess of thyroid hormone can increase the patient’s risk in having a heart attack or a severe chest pain.
After a month of treatment, a blood test is again done to check and monitor the hormone levels to determine if the dosage of medication should be changed to make it higher or lower. The medication that will be given must be safe to be taken with other medications since not all patients are suffering from only this disease. When pregnant, hormone levels sometimes go out of hand and this is another thing your physician needs to consider. Medications like those of thyroid hormone supplement are safe even for pregnant women. However, she still has the need to talk to her physician regarding hypothyroidism during her pregnancy. It is important to know if you have hypothyroidism symptoms way before you get pregnant in order to be given the right medication and for one’s safety since hypothyroid symptoms in women are usually mistaken as a result of pregnancy, pre-menstrual syndrome, or the menopausal stage.
A condition like hypothyroidism needs to be taken seriously. One should keep in mind that this disorder can lead to multiple and severe complications. Do not be shy to ask for help or to visit a doctor since you might be surprised that what you’re feeling is already considered as hypothyroidism symptoms. Remember that it is important to know if one has this disease as early as possible since if this disorder is already present during birth, it may lead to developing down syndrome and Grave’s disease. Having a regular check-up is the best way to know if one has this disorder. And to be able to treat it immediately, enough care and preparedness is needed to avoid further complications.
Watch the video below