What is hypothyroidism? And How Does that Impact Women's Bodies?

Much of our body's metabolic functioning depends on the functioning of the thyroid gland. This butter-fly shaped gland present in the throat releases thyroid hormones which help in maintaining the heartbeat, and control the functioning of the digestive system. Any variation in the amount of thyroid hormones being secreted can adversely affect the body.

It has been observed that women and are more susceptible to suffer from this condition.  Hypothyroidism is quite commonplace in India, and about 1 in every 10 adults suffer from it. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in India is 11%, compared with only 2% in the UK and 4·6% in the USA. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in India is 11%, compared with only 2% in the UK and 4·6% in the USA.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition wherein the body fails to secrete adequate amounts of thyroid hormones. This then slows down the body's metabolism, and overall functioning. As a result, a person ends up feeling lethargic as less energy is being generated within the body.

Many people tend to suffer from a mild, early form of hyperthyroidism called subclinical hypothyroidism. People who are 60 years old and above tend to suffer from hypothyroidism.

Causes

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

This is an autoimmune disease which affects the thyroid gland by causing an inflammation. In thus case, the white blood cells of the body attack the thyroid gland by mistaking it for a foreign particle. Scientists day that a person might suffer from this disease if one of their family members has been diagnosed with it.

Hyperthyroidism treatment

Hyperthyroidism is a total opposite of hypothyroidism wherein, excess amounts of thyroid hormones are secreted. It is treated by taking medications that will lower the secretion of the hormones. However, this might slow down the functioning of the thyroid gland to such an extent that the hormones secretion is below the normal limit.

Removal of thyroid gland

Due to some reasons, you might have to remove the thyroid gland surgically, or just a portion of it. This again will plummet the hormones secretion.

Medications

Certain drugs might interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism. These might include medications such as mitotane (Lysodren), lithium, amiodarone, etc.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Different people exhibit different signs and symptoms. However, the most common, and early symptoms are weight gain, lethargy and fatigue. People often don't realise that these symptoms are actually attributed to hypothyroidism, until more symptoms appear.

Other symptoms include:

• slow heart rate
• puffy and sensitive face
• increased blood cholesterol
• constipation
• muscle weakness
• dry skin and hair
• infertility
• menstrual changes
• decrease in sweating
• pain and stiffness in joints

Many of these symptoms are often blamed on ageing as many of them start appearing as the body ages.

Complications

• Goitre
• myxedema coma
• Peripheral neuropathy
• obstructive sleep apnea
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

In children, hypothyroidism mainly leads to poor mental development and leads to delay in puberty. In infants, the yellow skin, protruding tongue, hoarse crying and umbilical hernia are observed.

Diagnosis

Medical evaluation

Doctors will always look out for all the common symptoms of the condition such as slow heart rate, swelling in neck, dry skin, etc. They will also ask you about all the other symptoms you are experiencing.

Blood tests

The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is conducted to confirm the occurrence of hypothyroidism. The TSH is a hormone that tells the pituitary gland (a pea-sized gland present in the brain) which indicates whether you are suffering from any thyroid-related problems or not. For example, if the levels of thyroid hormones are low in the body, the levels of TSH will be high and vice-versa in case of hyperthyroidism.

Another test called the T4 test can also signal the occurrence of hypothyroidism. The T4 is a hormone released by the thyroid gland, so if there is a low level of T4 alongwith with a spike in TSH levels, you might be having hypothyroidism.

However, other tests need to be conducted to really confirm the occurrence of hypothyroidism as there are many disorders related to the thyroid gland.

Treatment

Medications

Taking medications and supplements remains a lifelong treatment which can only control the condition to a certain extent. Usually, synthetic analogues of the thyroid hormones such as Liothyronine and levothyroxine are used.

Diet

Foods such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds that are rich in magnesium, selenium, are recommended. Besides this, supplements of iron and calcium can also be used. However, foods such as broccoli, soy-based foods, cabbage, etc should be avoided especially in the raw form. Processed foods and foods rich in sugar should also be reduced. Also foods ruch in iodine such as iodised salt, eggs, dairy and fish should also be consumed.

Maintaining an exercise routine

A good exercise routine with the right balance of  low-impact and high-impact exercises. Some simple workouts such as yoga, swimming and cycling can really help. However, a doctor's consultation is needed before you decide to go an extra mile with your workout routine. Read about 6 ways to manage thyroid levels here