What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This gland is located at the front of the neck and plays an important role in regulating metabolism, influencing functions such as heart rate, body temperature, and energy balance.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary from person to person, but typically include:
- fatigue: a persistent feeling of tiredness and lack of energy, even after a good period of rest
- dry skin: due to decreased oil production by the sebaceous glands
- brittle hair: in addition to becoming thin and prone to excessive shedding
- feeling cold: increased sensitivity due to a slower metabolism
Causes
The main causes of hypothyroidism are:
- hashimoto's thyroiditis (chronic autoimmune thyroiditis): an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and destruction of thyroid tissue. Over time, the thyroid's ability to produce hormones is compromised
- treatment for hyperthyroidism (iatrogenic): surgical removal of the thyroid gland or treatment with radioactive iodine can result in hypothyroidism
- thyroid surgery: partial or total removal of the thyroid gland due to conditions such as thyroid cancer can result in hypothyroidism
- iodine deficiency: iodine is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormones. A prolonged deficiency in the diet can lead to hypothyroidism
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hypothyroidism typically involves several steps, such as:
- clinical evaluation: the healthcare professional will conduct a detailed review of the patient's medical history, including reported symptoms, family history, and risk factors
- blood tests: the most common test for diagnosing hypothyroidism is measuring the levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T4 (thyroxine) in the blood
- imaging tests: thyroid ultrasound can be performed to assess the structure of the thyroid gland, identify nodules, or check for inflammation
- clinical follow-up: the healthcare professional may request regular follow-ups to monitor thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication as needed
Treatment
The standard treatment for hypothyroidism generally involves hormone replacement therapy. The goal is to provide the body with the missing thyroid hormones to restore normal bodily functions. Additionally, some measures can help:
- regular and proper use of prescribed hormone: regular use with proper care, such as taking it on an empty stomach, is a fundamental part of the treatment
- avoiding certain foods and medications: some substances can interfere with the treatment, such as those found in iron supplements, calcium, and certain specific medications
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle: including a balanced diet and regular exercise is beneficial for the treatment of hypothyroidism
Prevention
Preventing hypothyroidism involves actions such as:
- maintaining a balanced diet rich in iodine: it is important to ensure a diet that includes iodine-rich foods, such as fish, dairy products, eggs, and seaweed
- avoiding excessive fluoride and chlorine: high levels of fluoride and chlorine in drinking water can affect thyroid function. If possible, consider using water filters to remove excess substances
- avoiding radiation exposure to the thyroid region: minimizing exposure to radiation in the thyroid area, whether from medical procedures or environmental sources, can help prevent damage to the thyroid gland
Additionally, it is important to consult a doctor regularly and consider periodic evaluations through tests.
References
You might also like to read about:
Thyroid nodule: lump in the thyroid region, responsible for producing T4 and T3 hormones
Thyroid cancer: arises from genetic changes in the cells of the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck
Thyroid and pregnancy: thyroid hormone is important for the baby's brain development early in pregnancy