Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It causes thyroid hormones to leak into the blood, raising their overall levels and leading to hyperthyroidism.
After 1 to 2 months , this may develop into hypothyroidism. Thyroiditis can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, an autoimmune condition or following pregnancy. This can lead to physical and mental growth problems, but early treatment can prevent these complications. Most newborns in the U. Several conditions such as hyperthyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules , and thyroid cancer can be treated by partially or fully removing the thyroid gland.
This may result in hypothyroidism. Radiation treatment of the thyroid can also lead to hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism.
It works by destroying the cells of the thyroid gland and decreasing the production of T4. A number of drugs can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
These include amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. If the pituitary gland stops functioning properly, the thyroid gland may not produce the correct amount of thyroid hormone. Pituitary tumors or pituitary surgery can affect the function of the pituitary gland, and this can adversely affect the thyroid gland.
If a woman loses a life-threatening amount of blood or has severely low blood pressure during or after childbirth, the gland can be damaged, causing it to under-produce pituitary hormones. Iodine is needed for the production of the thyroid hormones, but the level must be balanced. Too much or too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Some natural remedies are proposed for hypothyroidism, but it is important to speak to a doctor first, because the treatment for thyroid problems must be delicately balanced. Selenium : People with some types of thyroid problem may benefit from taking selenium , but this should only be used after discussing it with a doctor. Probiotics : Some people with hypothyroidism may have changes in the small intestine, where bacteria from the colon spread into the small intestine where they are not normally located, known as small intestine bacterial overgrowth SIBO.
In one study , 40 patients had abnormal results on a glucose breath test. After taking the probiotic Bacillus clausii for one month, the test result for 19 participants was normal.
Both antibiotics and probiotics have been shown effective for SIBO. Additionally, for those with autoimmune and inflammatory thyroid conditions, supplements such as turmeric containing at least mg curcumin and omega-3s may help to improve inflammation.
Doctors usually carry out a physical examination, take a medical history, and sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the TSH reading is above normal, the patient may have hypothyroidism. Medical and family history. Physical exam. The doctor will check your thyroid gland and look for changes such as dry skin, swelling, slower reflexes, and a slower heart rate. Blood tests. There are two blood tests that are used in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
TSH thyroid-stimulating hormone test. This is the most important and sensitive test for hypothyroidism. It measures how much of the thyroid hormone thyroxine T4 the thyroid gland is being asked to make.
T4 tests. Most of the T4 in the blood is attached to a protein called thyroxine-binding globulin. The free T4 and the free T4 index are both simple blood tests that measure how much unattached T4 is in the blood and available to get into cells.
You want to change your thyroxine dose or brand, or change taking your pills with or without food. You start or stop taking a drug that can interfere with absorbing thyroxine such as certain antacids, calcium supplements and iron tablets , or you change your dose of such a drug. Medications containing estrogen also impact thyroxine doses, so any change in such a medication should prompt a re-evaluation of your thyroxine dose. You start or stop taking certain medicines to control seizures such as phenytoin or tegretol, as such medicines increase the rate at which thyroxine is metabolized in your body, and your dose of thyroxine may need to be adjusted.
You want to try stopping thyroxine treatment. Rather than stopping your pills completely, you might ask your doctor to try lowering your dose.
Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen, MD,…. Congenital Hypothyroidism awareness: The importance of newborn screening Liuska M. Pesce, MD University of Iowa…. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland — triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 — have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism. These hormones also influence the control of vital functions, such as body temperature and heart rate.
Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including:. Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues.
Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland. Scientists aren't sure why this happens, but it's likely a combination of factors, such as your genes and an environmental trigger. However it happens, these antibodies affect the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.
This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.
A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body. If you have signs or symptoms of myxedema, you need immediate emergency medical treatment.
Birth defects. Babies born to women with untreated thyroid disease may have a higher risk of birth defects compared to babies born to healthy mothers.
These children are also more prone to serious intellectual and developmental problems. Infants with untreated hypothyroidism present at birth are at risk of serious problems with both physical and mental development. Just like infants, children and teens are also at risk of hypothyroidism. Often, symptoms in this age group mimic those of adults. The most common hypothyroid symptoms are fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, slower metabolism, and dry skin , while more surprising signs may be a slower heart rate, joint and muscle pain, and dry or puffy skin, says Gregory Dodell, MD , assistant clinical professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Some people might experience one symptom but not the others. Another possibility is having multiple symptoms with different causes. For instance, fatigue could be related to a mental health condition, while a slower heart rate may be hypothyroid related. The key to determining whether you might have hypothyroidism is the longevity of your symptoms. If you suddenly start feeling off, you could have hypothyroidism. As a rule of thumb, Dr. Dodell suggests getting screened for hypothyroidism if you notice any of the symptoms below.
Learn why here:. Weight gain is perhaps one of the first noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism in patients. You may also find losing weight more difficult, or perhaps you gain weight despite diet and exercise. On top of that, you may also feel bloated from hypothyroid-related constipation. Excessive fatigue is another common symptom of hypothyroidism. Habitual daytime naps or a constant need for caffeine may also be signs of excessive fatigue related to this condition unfortunately, these practices can also make it more difficult to sleep at night.
Women are at an increased risk for developing thyroid disease. Women are also more likely to develop thyroid conditions after pregnancy and following menopause. Not only might you experience irregularities in your cycle, but hypothyroidism may also cause periods that are much heavier than normal. Women who are trying to conceive may have difficulties getting pregnant.
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