Understanding Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial hormones.
Key Fact: Hypothyroidism disrupts the balance of chemical reactions in your body and often has few symptoms in the early stages.
Common Symptoms
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired and sluggish throughout the day.
Weight Gain
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise.
Sensitivity to Cold
Feeling cold when others are comfortable, or having cold hands and feet.
Muscle Weakness
Feeling weak in the muscles and having stiff joints.
Risk Factors
- Female sex
- Age (over 60)
- Family history of thyroid disease
- Autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests that measure the level of TSH and sometimes the level of thyroxine.
TSH Test
Free T4 Test
Thyroid Antibody Test
Thyroid Ultrasound
Common Treatments
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Levothyroxine: A synthetic thyroid hormone that restores adequate hormone levels.
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Regular TSH Monitoring: Ongoing blood tests to ensure the dosage of medication remains correct.
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Dietary Management: Ensuring adequate iodine intake while avoiding excessive soy or cruciferous vegetables.