What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough vital hormones. In its early stages, it may be undetectable. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to health issues such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. Thyroid function tests can accurately diagnose it. Treatment with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple, safe, and effective once the correct dose is determined with your doctor.
Hypothyroidism can have primary or secondary causes. Primary causes involve conditions that directly affect the thyroid, leading to low hormone production. Secondary causes occur when the pituitary gland malfunctions, failing to send thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid to regulate hormone levels. Primary causes are more common, with Hashimoto’s disease (also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) being the most frequent. This hereditary autoimmune condition causes the immune system to attack and damage the thyroid, reducing its ability to produce and release sufficient thyroid hormones.
How is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Underactive thyroids (hypothyroidism) are usually treated with daily hormone replacements such as levothyroxine. Your thyroide does not produce enough thyroxine hormone, so levothyroxine replaces it. Until the correct dose of levothyroxine is reached, you will have regular blood tests. Levothyroxine may be started at a low dose, then gradually increased based on your body's response. Some people notice an improvement in their symptoms immediately after beginning treatment, while others do not see improvement for several months.
To monitor hormone levels once a year, you'll usually have a blood test once you're taking the correct dose.
There may be no need for treatment if blood tests suggest you might have an underactive thyroid but you are not experiencing any symptoms or they are mild. In such instances, your GP normally monitors hormone levels every few months and if conditions arise or worsen they will prescribe levothyroxine.
What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary based on the severity of the hormone deficiency and typically develop slowly over time. Early symptoms, such as fatigue and weight gain, may be subtle and mistaken for aging. As metabolism slows, symptoms become more noticeable. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, but treatment often helps reduce weight within weeks. However, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen is still necessary for weight loss, which can be discussed with a healthcare provider.
What’s the Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, while hypothyroidism is when it produces too little. Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism. Although the two conditions have distinct symptoms, some overlap exists, such as goiter (thyroid gland enlargement). Hyperthyroidism is often caused by Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing it to overproduce hormones. Hypothyroidism is commonly caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, another autoimmune disease, or by thyroid removal or destruction due to conditions like cancer. Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism, with risk increasing with age.
For more information or guidance, contact The Thyroid Place at https://thethyroidplace.com/contact or book an appointment at https://thethyroidplace.com/appointments. The Thyroid Place is located at 1555 Howell Branch Rd, Suite A-1, Winter Park, FL 32789, serving clients from Winter Park, Orlando, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Goldenrod, Alafaya, Fairview Shores, Lockhart, and across Florida.
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