Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone.
What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your throat. It produces hormones that control metabolism, body temperature, energy, and overall growth.
How Common Is Hypothyroidism?
About 5% of Americans age 12 and older have hypothyroidism. It’s more common in women and people over 60.
Long-Term Effects
Without treatment, hypothyroidism can lead to health problems such as heart disease, infertility, mental and cognitive issues, and other complications like joint pain, nerve damage, fatigue, and weight gain.
Causes
Autoimmune Disease
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is where your body attacks and tries to destroy your thyroid by mistake.
Low Iodine
Iodine is a mineral your thyroid needs to make hormones. If you don’t get enough iodine in your diet, it can lead to hypothyroidism.
Certain Medications
Some medicines, like lithium, can affect your thyroid function.
Radiation Treatment
If you’ve had radiation treatment for cancer, it can affect your thyroid.
Surgery
If part or all of your thyroid is removed, it can cause hypothyroidism.
symptoms
The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren’t always clear and may feel like symptoms of other health problems. These are common symptoms to watch for.
Fatigue
You might feel tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep.
Weight Gain
Hypothyroidism often causes weight gain, even if you’re eating the same amount of food and exercising the same as you always have. This is caused by slowed metabolism.
Sensitivity to Cold
You might always feel cold, even in warm weather, due to reduced ability to regulate body temperature.
Dry Skin & Hair
Your skin might feels rough and dry, and your hair may feel brittle or fall out easily.
Constipation
Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause difficulty have bowel movements due to slowed bodily functioning.
Slow Heart Rate
A slower-than-usual heart rate is common, which can make you feel weak or dizzy.
Memory Problems
Lack of thyroid hormone can disrupt brain function, causing forgetfulness or trouble concentrating.
Joint Pain
Thyroid hormone is essential for bone and cartilage maintenance, and low levels can cause pain and stiffness.
Fertility Problems & Menstrual Irregularities
Hypothyroidism can impact the hormones that regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
DiagnosIs
A simple blood test can check your levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). A normal TSH level is between 0.4 and 4.0 mU/L. If your TSH is higher than that, your provider may also measure your T4 (thyroxine) levels. If your TSH is high and your T4 is low, you likely have hypothyroidism.
Treatment
Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid replacement therapy. The most common medication is levothyroxine, which is thyroid hormone T4. These healthy habits also help you feel your best.
Lifestyle
Eating well-balanced meals can help manage symptoms. Foods rich in selenium (found in nuts, seeds, and fish) and zinc (meat, shellfish, and beans) can support your thyroid. And, exercise can boost your energy and improve your mood.
Get Enough Sleep
Since hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, sleep is very important. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Manage Stress
Stress can affect your thyroid. Find ways to manage stress, such as meditation and deep breathing.
How We Can Help
If you think you have hypothyroidism, talk to your primary care provider, who will order bloodwork to confirm the diagnosis and start you on thyroid hormone replacement therapy. If your thyroid issues are a bit tougher to treat, your provider may refer you to an endocrinologist. In this case your provider and the specialist will work together to make sure you have the care you need.
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866-325-0301
