Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is a bow-tie like structure located in front of the neck. It is basically the metabolic warehouse of the body. The hormones it produces have a widespread effect on the body’s chemistry and dictate the rate at which other glands and organs work.
“Hypo” means less than normal, so the term hypothyroidism implies an underactive thyroid. The thyroid hormones are tri-iodothronine and thyroxine, and in the case of hypothyroidism, are under-produced. Since these hormones govern the speed of metabolic processes, their lack leads to a slowing down of all body functions.
The usual cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation of the thyroid gland due to an autoimmune condition (Hashimoto’s), in which the body produces antibodies that attack the gland. These antibodies damage the thyroid, rendering it unable to produce enough hormones to maintain the body’s normal metabolism. This condition tends to run in families and is most common in older women, although it can be seen in all ages and both men and women. Less common causes of hypothyroidism is lack of the mineral iodine and damage to the pituary gland in the brain. Iodine deficiency is rarely seen developed countries due to the addition of iodine to table salt.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are as follows:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- swollen face and puffy eyes
- thickened skin
- thinning hair
- hoarse voice
- brittle nails
- inability to cope with cold temperatures
- swelling or lump in the neck (goiter)
- constipation
- depressed mood
You may experience all or only some of these symptoms if you develop hypothyroidism. These symptoms typically arise gradually and may take several years to develop. If left untreated long term, hypothyroidism can lead to coma, and rarely, death.
There is not a method to prevent the development of this condition. It is best detected by screening. During your yearly physical examination, your provider will examine your thyroid and draw blood to check your thyroid hormone levels to screen for this disorder in its early stages. If either one of these screening mechanisms are abnormal, you may be sent for a thyroid ultrasound to get a visual image of the thyroid gland.
Treatment of all cases of hypothyroidism is with daily synthetic thyroid hormone replacement in pill form.
Written by: Keri Hodgins FNP-BC
