What is Hypothyroidism – Hypothyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism is a disease characterized by the inactivity or under-activity of the thyroid gland; this is an endocrine disease which primarily effects hormone activity and metabolism. This is quite a common endocrine condition affecting approximately 3- 5% of people. This disease is also more pronounced in women, and is more evident among the elderly people. Many would ask what is hypothyroidism and what are its effects, to help us better understand this disease, let us first take a look at the function of the thyroid gland.
The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ found in the neck area right below the Adam’s apple. This thumb size organ functions to produce what we call Thyroid hormones. These hormones, namely T3 and T4, these hormones regulate cellular growth, development and metabolism. What is Hypothyroidism? This is the inactivity or under activity of the thyroid gland which causes a decrease in the production of the thyroid hormones. As a result, there is a halt in cellular growth and development as well as its metabolism.
Causes
Now that we know what is hypothyroidism, let us know understand the causes of this disease. Hypothyroidism can be triggered by the following conditions:
- An Iodine deficiency that is severe- people with poor intake of iodine are likely to suffer this disease condition. The thyroid gland needs a steady supply of iodine to create the hormones, and without this supply from a dietary source, the thyroid gland cannot produce hormones T3 and T4. This then leads to hypothyroidism.
- Injury or a malfunctioning pituitary gland- called as the master gland, the pituitary gland is a small gland located inside the brain. This small gland produces hormones that activate or stimulate other glands to produce or release their respective hormones. The pituitary gland is much like a “boss” giving its constituents the “go signal” to do their work. A pituitary injury or a malfunction in this gland can also cause hypothyroidism, without the pituitary glands’ signal to the thyroid gland to produce hormones; the thyroid would not act and create the hormones needed by the body.
- Tumor in the thyroid gland- a common cause of hypothyroidism is a tumor formation in the thyroid gland. This tumor can be benign or malignant. None the less the tumor can cause a decrease in the thyroid’s functions.
- Hashimoto’s thyroidits- this is an autoimmune disease which also causes hypothyroidism. This is an autoimmune disease which means the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys thyroid cells. The destruction of the thyroid renders it unable to produce hormones.
- Surgery or radioactive iodine- treatment for malignancies and hyperactivity of the thyroid gland through radioactive iodine can also depress the thyroid’s function to produce hormones. Radioactive iodine can have a destructive effect on the thyroid tissues, and after six months of no thyroid activity following radioactive iodine treatment. It is assumed that its functions are affected.
Knowing what is hypothyroidism and its causes are a very important step as this will lead to the possible hypothyroidism treatment.
Do I have it? Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be pronounced or subtle depending on the gravity of the disease. Most mistake the symptoms as a normal part of aging, so to make sure here is a hypothyroidism symptom checklist to help you assess and eventually get the needed hypothyroidism treatment before it’s too late.
- Weight gain
- Intolerance to cold temperature
- Slow activity, sluggishness or excessive sleepiness
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
- Inability to focus
- Edema
- Easy fatigability
- Depression
What is Hypothyroidism and what would be involve in Hypothyroidism treatment
hypothyroidism treatment
The mode of treatment for hypothyroidism would depend on the etiology or cause of the disease that is why it is critical to know what is hypothyroidism in an overall perspective. Example, in the case of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the treatment would involve medications that would address to the autoimmune disease. Once this is employed hormonal supplements for hypothyroidism can follow. In cases of a tumor causing the condition, the tumor is surgically removed and if the thyroid can function well after the surgery, then there is little or no need for hormonal supplements.
None the less, the major mode of treatment for hypothyroidism is hormonal replacement therapy. This involves intake of synthetic thyroid hormone T4. Levothyroxine (T4) is usually given to the client as a hormone replacement or supplement. T4 is given instead of T3 since this is the most active form of hormone in the body, depending on the case, intake of this hormone can be life-long.
Hypothyroidism Diet
hypothyroidism diet
A balanced diet and a good source of needed nutrients is also a mode in hypothyroidism treatment. Diet for hypothyroid people should include a good amount of Iodine, Selenium, and Fiber with small amounts of complex carbohydrates. A good amount of minerals iodine must be present in the diet since the thyroid needs iodine to produce the hormones; selenium on the other hand helps hasten this process. Sources of iodine include fish and other seafood, and we can get selenium from lean meat and Brazil nuts.
Fiber must also be incorporated in the diet as this helps ease the problem of constipation among hypothyroids. People with this condition must also avoid too much complex carbohydrates, this is because complex carbs require the body more energy for its breakdown, one factor that is lacking among those with hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism can also occur among pregnant women, but this is more physiologic than pathologic, underactive thyroid symptoms may occur in women as the body’s compensation to the increase in metabolic process due to pregnancy. As a result, the thyroid activity first increases and there is release of hormones to adjust to the needs to both the mother and the growing fetus. As pregnancy progresses, the thyroid functions slow down and come to a halt, release of thyroid hormones decrease, and symptoms of hypothyroidism may occur. This may happen during the pregnancy, especially on the second or third trimester, or it may happen after pregnancy. This condition, however, becomes pathologic if the inactivity persists several months after pregnancy and this call for hypothyroidism treatment which can be life-long.
