Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by a deficiency of the two thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4 - Thyroxine) and triiodothyronine (T3 - Triiodothyronine) in the tissues of the body.
This disease results from the presence of continuous inflammation that harms the gland and its functionality. This inflammation is caused by antibodies produced in the patient’s immune system, which attack the gland and lead to its gradual destruction that cannot be prevented or stopped.
This hereditary disease sometimes affects more than one member of the same family, as there is a very high percentage of antigens in the blood of people with Hashimoto’s disease that attack the main protein produced by thyroid cells, thyroglobulin, as well as the necessary enzyme Peroxidase. To produce the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
This disease affects women more than it affects men in a ratio of 4: 1 and in the elderly, in a ratio of 8: 1, where this disease may appear at any stage of life, but the probability of its appearance increases with age.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism presents with several different signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms include the following:
exhaustion.
general weakness.
drowsiness.
A in academic achievement.
Weight gain.
sensitivity to cold
Aches in muscles and joints.
Forgetfulness and memory disorders.
Excessive hair loss.
holding.
Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Fertility problems.
mood swings
Depression.
Hearing impairment.
Dryness of the skin and hair.
blurred vision
hoarseness
Decreased appetite.
Sweating in the palms of the hands.
slow to speak
Puffiness in the face and around the eyes.
Slow movement and the appearance of edema in the legs.
Elderly people with hypothyroidism may develop additional symptoms such as decreased brain function, a condition very similar to dementia.
During the physical examination, the doctor may also notice the following signs and symptoms:
Thyroid enlargement.
slow pulse
dryness of the skin
slow reactions.
Paleness of the skin color and its tendency to yellowness.
High blood pressure.
Laboratory tests may also show the presence of anemia, a decrease in the level of sodium in the blood, and a high level of both cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Causes and risk factors for hypothyroidism
Risk factors and causes include the following
1. Primary causes of hypothyroidism
The causes of this disease are divided into three main groups, including
Primary hypothyroidism
When the thyroid gland is unable to produce hormones due to factors that have damaged the gland.
Secondary hypothyroidism
When the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the pituitary gland, which is the thyroid''s own watchdog hormone, is damaged.
Tertiary Hypothyroidism
When the production of Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the hypothalamus, which is the pituitary''s own watchdog hormone, is impaired.
2. Other causes of hypothyroidism
Primary hypothyroidism is the most common cause and occurs in a variety of conditions including:
Hashimoto''s thyroiditis is a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland that is sometimes accompanied by an enlarged thyroid gland.
Damage to the thyroid gland due to radioactive iodine, which is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism or in the treatment of cancerous tumors in the thyroid gland.
after thyroidectomy.
Damage to the thyroid gland as a result of subacute thyroiditis.
Take iodine in a high dose.
A disorder in the work of the gland as a result of taking some medications such as: Lithium, Amiodarone, and Dopamine.
Postpartum hypothyroidism is caused by inflammation and usually resolves spontaneously.
Rare causes of birth include a genetic defect in the production of thyroid hormones or a deficiency in iodine.
Hashimoto''s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Complications of hypothyroidism
Complications include the following
Goiter. Constant stimulation of the thyroid gland to release more hormones can cause the gland to enlarge, a condition known as goiter.
heart disease
Mental health diseases.
Peripheral neuropathy.
Myxedema.
infertility
birth defects
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Today, primary hypothyroidism can be diagnosed early and effectively by checking the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of thyroid hormones.
When the thyroid hormones are produced, they send a signal to the pituitary gland, thus maintaining a healthy level of triiodothyronine in the blood, and when the production of thyroid hormones is insufficient, this signal is not sent, which leads to a high level of the hormone in the blood.
Primary hypothyroidism is diagnosed when there is an elevated level of triiodothyronine in the blood, while secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism is diagnosed based on information about previous diseases of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and with the help of special tests designed to assess the reaction to triiodothyronine.
Hypothyroidism treatment
Hypothyroidism is relatively easy to treat. Levothyroxine and Eltroxin tablets contain the triiodothyronine hormone that the body is unable to produce once a day.
The dosage is gradually adjusted, however, leaving hypothyroidism untreated may worsen the disease.
Hypothyroidism prevention
There is no way to prevent hypothyroidism, but people who may be at higher risk of developing thyroid problems such as women during pregnancy should check with their doctor about the need for an iodine supplement.
