Hypothyroidism: Symptoms and causes

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Dec 29, 2021

Hypothyroidism is a typical thyroid condition, occurring when your thyroid glands do not produce enough of essential thyroid hormones. This situation is also called underactive thyroid disease. Untreated underactive thyroid disease over time can cause many health diseases such as autoimmune disorders, and heart diseases.

The thyroid gland is positioned in the lower part of the neck. Thyroid gland releases two important hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), these help in providing energy to your body. Approximately women are more prone to get underactive thyroid disease than men. This condition is used to diagnose through a simple blood test, after experiencing the symptoms.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

The symptoms can vary person to person and also upon the seriousness of the disease. The most signs and symptoms are listed below.

• Weight gain
• Increased cholesterol level
• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Feeling cold often
• Pain and stiffness in the joint
• Depression

Causes of hypothyroidism:

• Autoimmune disorder: Most of the cases of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid occur because of an autoimmune disorder, called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This disorder damages the thyroid gland. It is still unknown why this happens, but it is believed that there are certain factors which can cause Hashimoto's disease such as genetics and environmental factors.
• Hyperthyroidism treatment: Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disease, in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. This situation immediately requires medical attention. To treat this disorder doctors use radio-active iodine treatment. In an attempt to lower thyroid production it can also be the reason for low hormone production permanently, which may cause hypothyroidism.
• Radiation treatment: Patients diagnosed with cancer of neck, head, leukemia, and lymphoma have to go through radiation therapy. Radiation therapy can cause low hormone production.
• Medicinal drugs: Several medicinal drugs may also cause hypothyroidism. This includes medicines to treat cancer, psychological diseases, and heart diseases.

Hypothyroidism is a serious condition, but it can be cured with proper treatment. Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through blood tests and by examining physical symptoms. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, do consult with a doctor immediately.