In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
What is hypothyroidism and what causes hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to meet the body’s needs. The thyroid gland is a small organ at the base of the neck that is classified as an endocrine gland (see figure below). It is responsible for the production and release of two hormones:triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which regulate the function of most body tissues and influence the body’s metabolism and thermogenesis (heat production). Thyroid function is controlled by the pituitary gland, which releasesthyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.
The function of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland are closely related (negative feedback): increased levels of thyroid hormones reduce the release of TSH by the pituitary gland, and hormone deficiency stimulates the production of TSH.
The most common causes of hypothyroidism in Poland include:
- Hashimoto’s diseaseor chronic autoimmune (lymphocytic) thyroiditis.An autoimmune disease caused by its own antibodies, where there is painless inflammation in the thyroid gland, slowly (over the years) destroying the thyroid gland and reducing hormone production.
- condition after surgical removal of the thyroid gland.The operation of the thyroid gland can be performed for various reasons (nodular goiter, Graves’ disease,thyroid cancer). Permanent hypothyroidism develops when the entire thyroid is removed. The severity of hypothyroidism if part of the thyroid is removed (for example, one lobe) depends on the extent of the operation.
- condition after treatment with radioiodine.Treatment with radioactive iodine (radioactive iodine;131I) may be performed for various reasons (e.g. Graves’ disease, hyperactive nodular goitre).
The less common causes of hypothyroidism include:
- other thyroiditis (e.g.subacute thyroiditis, postpartum thyroiditis); in these cases the hypothyroidism may be transient
- drug-induced hypothyroidism (e.g.amiodarone, interferon)
- secondary hypothyroidism in the course of diseases of the pituitary gland (seeHypopituitarism).
How common is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid dysfunction; it occurs in about 5% of adult women and about 1% of men. While the prevalence of hypothyroidism increases with age (especially in people over 60), the disease also affects young people and children. Hypothyroidism inHashimoto’s diseaseis common among family members.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Dig. 1.The thyroid gland is a small organ located at the base of the neck
The main symptoms that suggest an underactive thyroid gland are:
- a feeling of constant cold
- fatigue / sleepiness
- depression
- memory impairment
- weight gain
- passing stools less frequently /constipation
- slow heart beat, low blood pressure
- dry flaky pale skin, dry hair
- menstrual disorders,infertility.
Laboratory tests show elevatedcholesterol levelsand anemia.
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid can vary from mild to very severe. People with mild hypothyroidism may not develop any of these symptoms, but if the problem is not detected and treated, the disease can trickle into developing. The effects of severe hypothyroidism can range from heart disease to infertility and, in very severe cases, evencoma.
Watch the video: How Patients Describe Symptoms Indicating HypothyroidismMaterial MSD Polska Sp. z o. o
What if I have symptoms that suggest an underactive thyroid?
In the event of the appearance of symptoms suggesting hypothyroidism, you should contact your family doctor, who will decide on the need for TSH determination after a medical examination (after taking an anamnesis and after the examination). Periodic TSH tests should also be performed on people who have a family history of Hashimoto’s disease (seeHashimoto’s disease). It is especially important to identify hypothyroidism in women who are planning a pregnancy as it is very detrimental to both the mother and the fetus (seeHypothyroidism in pregnancy). Hence, many specialists recommend TSH testing for every woman planning pregnancy.
Also read the doctor’s answer:Hypothyroidism in GP practice – when to see a specialist?
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
In order to confirm hypothyroidism, it is necessary to undergo hormonal tests. An initial test to assess thyroid function (blood TSH levels) may be ordered by your GP. If the obtained result is abnormal (above the upper limit of normal), it is necessary to measure the concentration ofthyroxine (FT4). Primary hypothyroidism (related to thyroid disease, not pituitary disease) is diagnosed if elevated TSH levels are accompanied bydecreased FT4 levels.
Dig. 2.Ultrasound of the thyroid gland helps determine the cause of the hypothyroidism
If an underactive thyroid is diagnosed, your doctor will try to find out what is causing it. For this purpose, the following are helpful:ultrasound ofthe thyroid gland; Hashimoto’s disease shows a reduced size of the thyroid gland and decreased echogenicity.
Determination of serum anti-thyroid antibodies, especially anti-thyroid-peroxidase (anti-TPO) or anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) antibodies: elevated anti-TPO levels are characteristic of Hashimoto’s disease.
Treatment of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is treated with the regular intake of missing thyroid hormones.Synthetically produced levothyroxineis identical and has the same effect as the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. There are manypreparations of levothyroxinein Poland , which may differ in their effect; hence it is best to always take the same preparation. Regular intake of the missing thyroid hormones leads to the normalization of TSH levels and the return of the proper functioning of the body. Most patients can be treated on an outpatient basis. People with severe hypothyroidism or other serious medical conditions (such asheart disease) may initially need treatment in a hospital.
Also read your doctor’s answer:Hypothyroidism, hypertension, and hypoglycemia
Levothyroxine should be taken regularly, preferably at the same time, usually in the morning, necessarily on an empty stomach, about 30-60 minutes before a meal. Each time the doctor determines the initial dose of the drug individually. Then, TSH concentration control tests are carried out, and the doctor modifies the dose based on the obtained result. You may need to check your TSH more frequently (approximately every 6-12 weeks) initially. However, after stable hypothyroidism compensation, TSH checks may be less frequent (every 6-12 months).
Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking; some medications (e.g. iron preparations) should not be taken together with levothyroxine at the same time.
Read the answer to the patient’s question:
I am in the second trimester of pregnancy and I have hypothyroidism. I take Euthyrox 25, develop anemia and start taking iron. Can you take them with hormones?
She replied
Ewa Krajewska-Siuda, MD, PhD
endocrinologist, pediatrician
Endocrinology outpatient clinic
Enel-Med Medical
Center Unicardia Heart and Vascular Disease Treatment Center
Of course, Euthyrox can be taken together with iron supplements, but remember that iron-containing drugs (like antacids, sucralfate) can reduce the effect oflevothyroxine. Hence, they should be administered at least two hours before the administration ofiron-containing drugs , and according to Pop and colleagues, the interval between these drugs should be six hours.
Literature:
Lazarus JH: Aspects of treatment of thyroid hypothyroidism. Thyroid, 2007; 17; 313-315.Pop VJ, Kuijpens JL, van Baar AL: Low maternal free thyroxine concentrations during early pregnancy are associated with impaired psychomotor development in infancy. Clin. Endocrinol., 1999; 50; 149-155.
Is it possible to cure hypothyroidism completely?
Most patients with hypothyroidism require treatment with levothyroxine and periodic monitoring of TSH throughout life. In some cases (e.g. postpartum thyroiditis, subacute thyroiditis, drug-induced hypothyroidism), the hypothyroidism may heal spontaneously and resolve.
How can I avoid getting hypothyroidism?
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (e.g. Graves’ disease,Hashimoto’s disease) are genetically determined diseases. We have no influence on the genetic predisposition of people with burden. People with a family history of autoimmune thyroid disease should inform their doctors about this fact, and possibly avoid certain medications that may affect the development of the disease. In addition, such individuals should periodically check their TSH levels to recognize the developing hypothyroidism as soon as possible and prevent the development of severe symptoms.