Hypothyroidism
Understanding Hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormones play an important role in your body, primarily affecting how you use energy. For this reason, problems with your thyroid function can impact many different bodily processes, from metabolism and mood to being able to get a good night’s sleep. One of the most common problems with the thyroid is hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Understanding this thyroid condition can greatly improve your chance of successfully treating your low-thyroid symptoms.
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What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.
How the Thyroid Works
The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body – helping to regulate temperature and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should.
The thyroid gland uses iodine from the diet to make two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid hormones are regulated by the pituitary gland, which produces a hormone called thyrotropin (TSH) that tells the thyroid gland how much thyroid hormone it needs to produce. The hypothalamus also plays a role in regulating the thyroid gland by producing a hormone called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which tells the pituitary gland how much TSH to produce.
As levels of thyroid hormones in your blood decrease, TRH and TSH levels rise, signaling to the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormones. Similarly, when thyroid hormone levels rise, TRH and TSH levels fall, leading to the thyroid gland making less thyroid hormone.
Types of Hypothyroidism
Types of hypothyroidism include:
This is the most common type of hypothyroidism, and it occurs when a problem with the thyroid gland itself is preventing the production of enough thyroid hormones. Most often this is the result of an autoimmune disorder, such as Hashimoto’s disease. Primary hypothyroidism is characterized by high TSH levels and low levels of T4 and T3 in the blood.
Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when the pituitary gland doesn't produce enough TSH. The most common reason for this is the presence of a tumor in or around the pituitary gland. Secondary hypothyroidism is characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones and TSH.
Tertiary hypothyroidism occurs when the hypothalamus doesn't produce enough TSH. This type of hypothyroidism is rare and, like secondary hypothyroidism, may be the result of a tumor or lesion in the area of the gland. Tertiary hypothyroidism is characterized by low levels of thyroid hormones and TSH.
Low Thyroid Symptoms
Hypothyroidism can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:
- Aches & pains
- Brain fog
- Brittle hair
- Cold sensitivity
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Hair thinning, hair loss
- Inability to lose weight
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Loss of libido
- Memory impairment
- Sleep disruptions
- Weight gain
Risk Factors & Causes
Hypothyroidism can occur in men and women, although women are more likely to be affected. The risk of developing hypothyroidism increases with age and is most common in middle-aged women. If you have an autoimmune disorder – such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, or lupus – you are more likely to also have an underactive thyroid.
There are many different reasons why your thyroid may be underactive. One common reason is due to an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease. In Hashimoto's disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. This can lead to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, which can in turn lead to hypothyroidism.
Other possible causes of hypothyroidism include certain medications such as lithium or amiodarone, iodine deficiency, surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, and radiation therapy. Sometimes the cause of hypothyroidism is unknown.
Long-Term Outlook
With proper treatment, the long-term outlook for patients with hypothyroidism is good. Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication to replace the missing hormone. In some cases, treatment may also involve taking additional supplements and making certain dietary or lifestyle changes.
The right treatment for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your age, overall health, the presence of any other acute or chronic medical conditions, the severity of your thyroid hormone deficiency, and your symptoms.
At Optimal Thyroid Program, it is our mission to help you achieve and maintain the optimal thyroid hormone levels for you. We can provide you with relief from all those annoying low-thyroid symptoms and help you operate at peak performance.
Left untreated or inadequately managed, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems, such as goiters, heart disease, mental health problems, and even death. Proper medical treatment of your hypothyroidism can help prevent these significant complications.
Start your thyroid assessment here
FREE blood tests at locations across Texas
Currently Open to Texas Residents Only
