What is Hypothyroidism? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What Is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid is an important butterfly-shaped gland that produces hormones that perform several important functions, including the regulation of metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and growth.

So what is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to make and release enough hormone into the bloodstream, leading to slow down of the body's metabolic functions. Hypothyroidism is becoming increasingly common, especially in women. The condition can cause fatigue, weight gain, and a host of other metabolic issues.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism might vary from person to person and may develop slowly over time. At times, it can take years to develop these symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of low thyroid levels include:

• Cold intolerance
• Constipation
• Decreased sweating
• Depression or mood changes
• Dry, coarse skin and hair.
• Hair loss
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels.
• Fatigue and low energy
• Fertility issues
• Hoarseness.
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Numbness or tingling
• Physical changes in your face (drooping eyelids, puffiness around your eyes).
• Slow heart rate
• Soreness or muscle weakness.
• Swelling in the neck
• Weight gain despite no major diet changes

Hypothyroidism has a whole range of different symptoms. Not everyone with the condition exhibits all symptoms. Therefore, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms persistently, you must consult your doctor.

Types of Hypothyroidism

There are four main types of hypothyroidism:

• Primary Hypothyroidism : The thyroid itself stops making enough hormones. This is the most common type.
• Secondary Hypothyroidism : In this type, the thyroid is fine, but the pituitary gland doesn’t send the signal (TSH) to produce hormones.
• Congenital Hypothyroidism : In congenital hypothyroidism, babies are born with an underactive thyroid. If not treated early, it can affect growth and development.
• Subclinical Hypothyroidism : This is a very mild form of hypothyroidism. If you have subclinical hypothyroidism, lab tests show slightly off TSH, but hormone levels remain mostly normal, and symptoms are often subtle.

Risk Factors of Hypothyroidism

The following groups of people may be more at risk of developing hypothyroidism:

• Women who are over the age of 40 : As women reach their 40s and beyond, their thyroid activity can naturally slow down. These hormonal changes make middle-aged and older women more likely to develop low thyroid levels, often showing up as tiredness, weight gain, or mood changes.
• If there is a family history of thyroid problems : Genetic predisposition can play a role in developing hypothyroidism, just like diabetes. So if someone in your family suffers from hypothyroidism, it may put you at risk too.
• People with existing autoimmune conditions : Autoimmune diseases like type-1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can make hypothyroidism more likely to occur. This is because an autoimmune disorder can cause the immune system to attack the thyroid as well.
• Someone who is pregnant or has delivered recently : Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy may trigger thyroid imbalances. Many women can face hypothyroidism in pregnancy or suddenly after delivering the baby.
• People with a history of thyroid surgery, including thyroid gland removal : this is essentially because if you’ve had part or all of your thyroid removed, your body may struggle to produce enough thyroid hormone naturally.
• Someone with a previous history of head and neck radiation therapy : Radiation treatments in these areas can sometimes affect thyroid function, increasing the risk of hypothyroidism later on.
• If someone just started or stopped certain medications : Medications can interfere with thyroid production, absorption, etc. If you feel any changes in your body after starting or stopping a new medication, do inform your doctor.

If you fall into any of the above categories, it is a good step to get your thyroid levels checked at regular intervals.

Complications of Untreated Hypothyroidism

Today, millions of women suffer from thyroid worldwide. Rarely with a complication. Hypothyroidism is pretty manageable with treatment. However, when left untreated for a long time, it can cause complications. Here are some common complications related to an underactive thyroid left without treatment:

• Infertility & Menstrual Irregularities : The thyroid plays an important role in hormone regulation. With thyroid imbalance, ovulation can be affected, hence causing irregular periods and even difficulties in conception. If thyroid levels are not managed during pregnancy, it can also cause miscarriage.
• Goiter : The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. When the thyroid is overworked, trying to produce hormones, it can swell and form a visible lump in the neck called a goitre. Goitre is essentially an enlarged thyroid gland.
• Heart disease : Hypothyroidism can lead to increased cholesterol levels in the body. This, in the long run, can put extra strain on the heart, paving the way for heart-related issues.
• Myxedema : A very rare but serious condition caused by severe, untreated hypothyroidism. When the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone for several years, or hypothyroidism remains unchecked in someone for a long time, it can rarely lead to swelling, dangerously low body temperature, and potential organ failure. Myxedema is considered a medical emergency.
• Peripheral neuropathy : Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It can result from injury, infections, or inherited conditions, and symptoms vary. Low thyroid hormone levels slow metabolism and affect nerve health. Untreated hypothyroidism increases the risk of this nerve dysfunction.
• Treatment for Hypothyroidism : Hypothyroidism cannot be cured completely in most cases but can be effectively managed with the help of medication and even certain lifestyle modifications.

Here is a typical treatment approach for managing hypothyroidism:

Treatment for Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism cannot be cured completely in most cases but can be effectively managed with the help of medication and even certain lifestyle modifications.

Here is a typical treatment approach for managing hypothyroidism:

• Levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone) : This is part of the hormone replacement therapy done to treat hypothyroidism. Doctors use this synthetic hormone as a replacement for the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormone.
• Regular blood tests to adjust dosage : The doctors will do an assessment to check the right dosage for each patient. This may take some trial and error to eventually find the right dosage that works for you. Blood tests will be performed at regular intervals to check the hormone level. This is important, as overusing levothyroxine can cause many side effects.
• Lifelong treatment in most cases : It is important to understand that in most cases patients will need to take their thyroid medication all their lives. However, with proper care and lifestyle modification, it may be possible that the dosage is reduced over time as the body’s needs change.

Lifestyle and Diet Tips

Managing hypothyroidism isn’t just about taking medicine. Your daily habits play a big role in your overall hormonal health. A balanced lifestyle can support thyroid function and help ease symptoms.

• Eat a balanced diet with iodine, selenium, and zinc : These nutrients are essential for healthy thyroid activity and hormone production. These can be easily found in foods like fish, eggs, nuts, and whole grains.
• Avoid overconsumption of soy and processed foods : Excess soy and heavily processed items can interfere with hormone absorption and slow down metabolism.
• Exercise regularly to manage weight : Moderate physical activity boosts energy, improves mood, and helps prevent weight gain. This has an amazing effect on your overall mental, physical, and hormonal health.
• Manage stress : Chronic stress can affect hormone balance, so relaxation practices help support both mental and thyroid health. If you suffer from chronic stress; don't hesitate to seek professional help as well as support from your loved ones.
• Sleep well : A well-rested body is essential for proper hormonal balance. The body’s circadian rhythm plays a key role in regulating thyroid function, metabolism, and energy levels throughout the day.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that can be easily managed with regular treatment and simple lifestyle adjustments. Staying consistent with your medication and maintaining healthy habits helps support normal hormone production. If you have hypothyroidism, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider questions about how to better manage your condition. And if you’re trying to conceive, you may need additional monitoring to keep your thyroid levels balanced for a healthy pregnancy.