It is estimated that millions of Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Due to the wide variety of symptoms, some hypothyroid sufferers may never know they have the condition.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that is associated with a lowered metabolic rate. Since every cell in the body depends on thyroid hormones, a wide variety of symptoms can present itself. The overlap of symptoms of an under-active thyroid with that of other conditions, may make it hard to get a proper diagnosis.
What are the signs of hypothyroidism?
- Increased sleepiness
- Lowered libido
- Muscle cramps and bone pain
- Dry, brittle hair
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures – With an under-active thyroid, you become more sensitive to the cold
- Inability to lose weight – If your eating habits haven’t changed much, but you start to gain weight
- Development of a goiter – When the thyroid gets stimulated beyond its capacity, it becomes enlarged and visible in the neck
- Difficulty concentrating – When you unexpectedly find it difficult to concentrate and focus while you didn’t have problems before, then a thyroid problem could be the cause
- Fatigue – This symptom is associated with many different conditions, so not a critical factor for diagnosis
- Itchy skin
- Swollen hands and feet – This is caused by water retention
Causes of Hypothyroidism
Traditionally, low iodine levels were thought to be the cause of hypothyroidism. The thyroid is the only tissue that can take up iodine and iodine is important for thyroid hormone production. We get most of our iodine through iodized table salt.
Certain medications taken for other conditions, may interfere with thyroid functioning. Genetic factors may put you at risk for developing hypothyroidism. If you have family members who have the condition, then you are at an increased risk of developing the condition yourself.
A temporary rise in thyroid activity followed by a low output of thyroid hormone is frequently associated with a thyroid inflammation, called thyroiditis. An auto-immune reaction is often the cause, whereby the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. This condition is frequently seen in post-partum women. The temporary rise in thyroid levels in the body due to the inflamed thyroid causes some weight loss. This hyperthyroidism usually corrects itself, but may also lead to chronic hypothyroidism.
The first line of treatment for someone who suffers from hypothyroidism, is medications. Either synthetic thyroid hormone or hormone derived from animal tissue can in most cases restore normal thyroid function. Some people improve their condition by taking a specific thyroid supplement. In addition, certain foods that interfere with normal thyroid functioning should be avoided. If you think you may have hypothyroidism, talk to your health care professional and figure out what your best treatment option is.
