Hypothyroidism
What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism is a lack of thyroid hormone. It develops when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone, which controls the way the body uses energy. A lack of thyroid hormone affects all body systems. The risk of developing hypothyroidism tends to increase with age; older women have the highest risk. In rare cases, hypothyroidism occurs in infants and children. Infants will grow and develop normally if hypothyroidism is treated within the first month of life. Untreated hypothyroidism in infants can cause brain damage, leading to mental retardation and developmental delays. Every state in the United States tests newborns for hypothyroidism. Teens with hypothyroidism typically look much younger than their age. With proper treatment, a teen will catch up in weight and height to healthy teens of the same age. In adults, untreated hypothyroidism can cause several complications, including fluid around the heart and an increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke). Severe hypothyroidism can cause a life-threatening condition called myxedema coma. Whether untreated hypothyroidism gets better or worse depends on its cause and your age. Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis—a disease in which the body's natural defense (immune) system attacks the thyroid gland—normally will not disappear on its own and lead to a gradual loss of thyroid function. Women may develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy. Hypothyroidism that developed before pregnancy may become worse during pregnancy. Cause In the United States, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a condition that causes the body's defenses—or immune system—to produce antibodies that over time destroy thyroid tissue. As a result, the thyroid gland cannot make enough thyroid hormone. Worldwide, iodine deficiency is the number one cause of hypothyroidism. Iodine added to salt, food, and water has eliminated this problem in the United States and other Western countries. Other common causes of hypothyroidism include: Thyroid surgery. Part or all of the thyroid gland may be removed to treat disorders such as having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism), an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) that makes swallowing difficult, thyroid cancer, or thyroid nodules that may be overactive or cancerous. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland is removed or when remaining thyroid tissue does not function properly. Radioactive iodine therapy, which is often used to treat hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy can destroy the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. External beam radiation, which is used to treat some cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma. This radiation treatment can destroy the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism Symptoms Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop slowly over months or years. Symptoms and signs may include:
Other, less common symptoms may include:
How the thyroid may be responsible for weight gain The thyroid is a small (weighing less than one ounce), butterfly-shaped gland that is responsible for regulating virtually all aspects of your metabolism. Now, the thyroid accomplishes this by producing hormones such as thyroxine (T-4), triiodothyronine. These hormones have a direct effect on how quickly your body burns calories and how your body uses fats and carbohydrates. With an under active thyroid, these hormones are not produced in adequate quantities. The body generally will burn calories slower and not properly utilize fats and carbohydrates. It is in this way that an under active thyroid can lead to unwarranted weight gain. What thyroid supplements attempt to do In addition to lifestyle changes and prescription medication, an increasing number of people with an under active thyroid condition are turning to natural products to help improve, repair and sustain their thyroid. Most herbal thyroid products contain ingredients that may help increase the function of the thyroid. They may also contain ingredients that are believed to provide the thyroid with much needed Iodine as well as other important nutrients. The main idea behind natural thyroid supplements is to balance and stimulate the thyroid while avoiding side effects. What Can Happen Untreated hypothyroidism may get better or worse over time, depending on its cause and your age. Hypothyroidism in infants and children Although rare, hypothyroidism can occur in infants and children. If hypothyroidism is treated within the first month of life, a child will grow and develop normally. Untreated hypothyroidism in infants can cause brain damage, leading to mental retardation and developmental delays. In the United States, all children are tested for hypothyroidism at birth. Mental retardation usually does not occur if hypothyroidism develops after age 3. However, untreated childhood hypothyroidism typically delays physical growth and sexual development, including the onset of puberty. Children may gain weight yet have a slowed growth rate. Hypothyroidism in adults Hypothyroidism caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis will not disappear on its own. Often, the disorder causes a gradual loss of thyroid function, so your symptoms may develop slowly and be so mild that you do not notice them for years. However, symptoms usually grow worse, and health problems may develop as the disease continues. If untreated, hypothyroidism may lead to: Myxedema, a condition that causes swelling of tissues, increased fluid around the heart and lungs, slowed muscle reflexes, and a slowed ability to think. Myxedema coma, a rare, life-threatening condition. This can occur if you have had hypothyroidism for many years that becomes markedly worse. It usually occurs when older adults who have severe hypothyroidism become ill with another condition, suffer from cold exposure, or take painkillers or sleeping pills. Symptoms include mental deterioration, such as apathy, confusion, and psychosis. You may lose consciousness (coma) and may have an extremely low body temperature (hypothermia), slow heartbeat (fewer than 60 beats per minute), heart failure, and difficulty breathing. Complications, such as: Increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke). Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion). Sleep apnea, which causes you to stop breathing for 10 seconds or longer while sleeping. Forgetfulness and dementia. What Increases Your Risk Many factors may increase your risk for developing hypothyroidism. These include: Age and sex. Older adults are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than younger people; women are more likely than men to develop thyroid disease. Family history. Hypothyroidism tends to run in families. Previous thyroid problems. Thyroid disease, an enlarged thyroid (goiter), and surgery or radiation therapy to treat thyroid problems increase the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism in the future. Some lifelong conditions. Diabetes, an autoimmune disease that causes patches of light skin (vitiligo), pernicious anemia, and premature gray hair (leukotrichia) are seen more often in people with hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency. This is rare in the United States but common in areas where iodine is not added to salt, food, and water. Medications Some medications can interfere with normal thyroid function, particularly lithium carbonate, amiodarone (such as Amiodarone, Cordarone, and Pacerone), and interferon alfa (such as Infergen, Rebetron, and Wellferon). Up to 20% of women and 8% of men older than 60 have mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism; about 2% to 5% of people with subclinical disease develop hypothyroidism every year. Many of the same factors that increase your risk for hypothyroidism also increase your risk for mild hypothyroidism. |
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