Dr Bipin Kumar Sethi, DM Endocrinology , Consultant Endocrinologist Care Hospital and Tapadia Diagnostic Centre Hyderabad
Do you continue to feel tired despite a good night’s sleep? Have you gained weight recently though your diet remains majorly unchanged? Listen to your body’s warning signs and reach out to your doctor as you may be suffering from a disorder called hypothyroidism.
Globally, thyroid problems are the second-most common hormonal disorder after diabetes. The thyroid gland is a two-inch long butterfly-shaped organ situated at the bottom of the neck that plays a major role in the human body’s metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid gland uses iodine from our daily food to make two main hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Any malfunction of this gland leads to numerous health issues and thyroid diseases affect more than 200 million people across the world.,
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormones. This has a profound impact on the body as the thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy. They also regulate other important functions such as heart rate, body temperature, muscle contraction, skin and bone maintenance, and brain development.
Lack of dietary iodine and autoimmune disorders (the immune system creates antibodies that attack thyroid cells) and to a small extent iodine deficiency are the common causes of underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. However, the disease can also be caused due to medical intervention or surgery, radiation, congenital disease, or pituitary disorders.
Women more prone to hypothyroidism
In India, hypothyroidism is one of the most widespread thyroid disorders affecting one in 10 adults. Women are more susceptible to the disease than men. However, individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly can develop hypothyroidism due to a malfunctioning gland. Since hypothyroidism develops slowly, symptoms may become noticeable only after a prolonged deficiency.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include tiredness, sensitivity to cold, dry skin or hair, depression, forgetfulness, constipation, muscle cramps, or weight gain. Children and teens who develop hypothyroidism might experience deterioration in scholastic performance stunted growth, delayed puberty or enlargement of the thyroid gland (goitre). Untreated hypothyroidism can also cause irregular and/or heavy menstrual periodsand infertility. Pregnant women with untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism are at greater risk of miscarriage while untreated severe hypothyroidism can lead to impaired brain development in the baby.
Regular screening is not a must, except in newborns and pregnant women, to detect and treat hypothyroidism in time. However, educating people about the disease, its incidence, symptoms, and management along with the need for at risk screening as in people with goitre, infertility Type 1 DM, other autoimmune diseases like vitiligo etc; can facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment.
Upon consultation, a doctor may advise a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) with free or total T4 test to detect hypothyroidism. TSH levels are high in an individual with hypothyroidism due to diseased thyroid gland and inappropriately low or normal in those with pituitary disease. Thyroid antibodies may also be assessed if needed.
Managing hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a life-long condition but can easily be controlled with medication. Patients are advised to consult their doctor for appropriate treatment. The tablet must be taken on empty stomach with a gap of half or one hour between its intake and food/beverages, the requirement usually increases in pregnancy Regular tests and follow-ups are essential to determine the correct dose for the patient to ensure optimal benefit as overdosing can be harmful to the bone and heart
Hypothyroidism can be easily treated and an individual with hypothyroidism can lead a normal and healthy life.If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, consult your doctor and get your TSH level checked today.