The thyroid is a gland that secretes hormones that act in the growth process and metabolism of people and produce proteins and regulate the receptivity of other hormones in our body. It is located on the trachea, and when these functions are altered, we find the condition called hypothyroidism. It is more common in women over 50 years of age and in the postpartum phase, people with previous surgeries in this gland, and babies with hypothyroid mothers. At FastlyHeal, we explain hypothyroidism’s symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Determining the symptoms of hypothyroidism will depend on two phases. There are initial symptoms such as:
- Constipation.
- Feeling fatigued
- Pain in the muscles and joints.
- Weight gain.
- Depression.
- Heavy menses.
- Brittle hair and nails.
- Dry Skin.
- Cold intolerance, In this case, the decrease in thyroid hormone levels causes the body temperature to drop. For this reason, people who suffer from hypothyroidism tend to be colder and have problematic skin.
If you suffer from these symptoms and you have not consulted your doctor to make a correct diagnosis or have stopped treatment, you will enter a second phase where the ailments will increase and manifest with:
- Conquer
- Swelling in the hands, feet, and face
- Decreased sense of taste and smell.
In the same way, the doctor will do a physical examination to see if the thyroid has increased or decreased in size, the levels of cholesterol, and the thyroid hormones TSH and T4, prolactin, and sodium will also be checked.
Causes of hypothyroidism
The leading cause of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis. In this condition, our body does not recognize the thyroid as part of it, so it proceeds to destroy it with antibodies. Thyroiditis can also occur after the delivery, and most of the time, it is asymptomatic. Other causes of hypothyroidism can be congenital anomalies, pituitary tumors or surgeries in it, the use of radioactive iodine as a treatment for an overactive thyroid, and has undergone radiation therapy for cancer.
Treatment for hypothyroidism
The goal of treatment for hypothyroidism is to restore thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is the drug used to treat this condition, it will be administered in low doses, and usually, the treatment is lifelong. It is advisable to take medicine on an empty stomach when starting the medication. If you have a diet rich in soy and fiber, it will affect the absorption of the drug. Avoid taking it together with supplements such as iron or calcium.
Also, consult your doctor if you change brands and make sure you do not abandon the treatment. This drug can have some side effects, so it is essential to be vigilant if you develop sweating, heart palpitations, tremors, or rapid weight loss.
When to go to the doctor?
If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, see your doctor so that he can diagnose if this is it. On the other hand, if you are already undergoing treatment for this condition and feel that it does not improve, have chest pain or a fast heartbeat, or have an infection, it is advisable to visit the doctor.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes, and treatment, we recommend that you enter our Endocrine System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.