Your thyroid gland is responsible for metabolic functioning in your body. It is a large endocrine gland that lies in the neck region. This gland makes proteins and hormones which regulates how quickly we burn energy. The two thyroid hormones it produces are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones effect changes at the cellular level that have an effect on the stimulation of fat mobilization and oxidation of fatty acids in many of the tissues, on carbohydrate metabolism, on normal growth in young children and on the development of the brain in a baby. Other systems that are affected by the hormones include the cardiovascular system, central nervous system and reproductive system.
When your thyroid gland does not work efficiently because of tumors, disease or medication, production of thyroid hormones slow or completely stop. This is called hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. The lack of thyroid hormone in the body will significantly impact each of the systems mentioned above.
Hypothyroidism occurs more often in women, particularly those over the age of 50 years old. In the early stages it does not usually cause symptoms, but if it is left untreated it can cause health conditions such as infertility, heart disease, joint pain, and/or obesity. The first signs of any type of thyroid abnormalities are not usually noticeable. You may just feel a little more fatigued than you normally do.
Fatigue can be the result of poor metabolism of your energy stores, resulting in lower energy levels. As your hypothyroidism progresses other symptoms may become more apparent. These symptoms can include pale and/or dry skin, a hoarse voice, increased blood cholesterol, puffiness around the facial area, cold sensitivity, constipation, muscle weakening, discomfort in your joints, weight gain, heavy menstrual periods, depression, and/or brittle nails and hair.
If hypothyroidism is left untreated a goiter or enlargement of the gland may develop. Because the thyroid gland sits at the area of the neck where the knot in a man’s necktie would sit, this enlargement in the gland will appear like a tumor growing from the neck. Your thyroid is working hard to release hormones that the body needs to function properly. Early treatment of hypothyroidism can reduce the number of side effects and health conditions that can develop.
Your primary care physician will use blood tests for thyroid stimulating hormone (a precursor to thyroid hormones) and your symptoms to determine if your thyroid gland is not producing sufficient amount of hormone. Treatment is not dependent upon the cause of the hypothyroidism. However, through determination of the cause, other underlying conditions may also be treated.
Hypothyroidism is more often caused by autoimmune diseases, surgery to remove the gland, radiation therapy, treatment for hyperthyroidism and some medications used to treat other underlying medical conditions. Each of these conditions often cause permanent changes to the thyroid gland which cannot be reversed.
Treating hypothyroidism is accomplished with medication that will give your body back the hormones that it needs to run as it previously had. You will generally feel the effects of this medication within a couple of weeks of taking it. You will need to take this medication on a permanent basis. On this medication, your body’s cholesterol level will return to normal and you may be able to lose the weight that might have been put on prior to this. Certain foods may interact with the absorption of this medication so it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
If you are experiencing symptoms which may be related to hypothyroidism, seek the care of your primary care physician. Through early diagnosis and treatment you can reduce the potential that you will experience permanent disability from the condition.
Resources:
MayoClinic: Hypothyroidism
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353
University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/hypothyroidism_000038.htm
KidsHealth.org: Thyroid Disease and Teens
http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/growth/thyroid.html
Research Psychiatric Center: Hypothyroidism
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