Hypothyroidism is a very common condition in which the body’s production of thyroid hormone is below normal. Thyroid hormone affects metabolism, and its deficiency causes many of the body’s functions to slow down. An estimated 3 to 5 percent of the population suffers from hypothyroidism, and another 17 percent may be undiagnosed. It is more common among women than men, particularly those over age 40. How Does Hypothyroidism Develop?
Causes of hypothyroidism include congenital defects, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, irradiation of the thyroid gland, inflammatory conditions and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an inherited autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and damages the thyroid tissue, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is eight times more common among women than men.
What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
Thyroid Dysfunctions
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid Gland is a raised level of thyroid hormone in the body. Thyroxine is a hormone made by the thyroid gland and helps to keep the metabolism working at the correct speed. When the thyroid gland is overactive, it produces too much thyroxine which causes many of your body’s functions to speed up. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease. The disease affects more women (2 in 100) than men (2 in 1,000), typically occurring between the ages of 20 and 50 years old. Hyperthyroidism can also produce thyroid nodules which are benign (non-cancerous) lumps which can develop in the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Nervous, antsy, and restless behavior.
- Being irritable.
- Hand tremors.
- Overactivity and lack of sleep.
- Weight loss despite an increased appetite.
- Heart palpitations.
- Increased thirst and sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Diarrhea and feeling of urgency to use the restroom.
- Thinning hair.
- Itchy skin.
Hypothyroidism
Autoimmune thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease which makes antibodies that attach to the thyroid gland, and the thyroid gland is then unable to make enough thyroxine. The disease affects more women (1 in 50) than men (1 in 1,000) and is more likely to occur with aging. If patients have untreated or improperly treated hypothyroidism, there is an increased risk of developing heart disease because a low thyroxine level causes lipids such as cholesterol to rise.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Brittle Hair
- Weight Gain
- Constipation
- Feeling cold
Goiter
If the thyroid enlarges, it causes a swelling in the neck which can be felt and seen. Thyroiditis is an inflamed thyroid which is painful and typically the result of an infection from a virus or bacteria. Graves’ disease and an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can damage the thyroid gland and cause a goiter. Nodular goiter(s) is a single lump or several lumps which develop and may be caused by a non-cancerous tumor or cyst.
Symptoms of a Goiter
- Swelling in the neck.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing because the goiter is pressing against the windpipe.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the fatty tissues and muscles in the eye socket to become inflamed and swell. The swelling pushes the eyeball forward and creates a variety of eye symptoms. Thyroid Eye disease usually is associated with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease
- Aching behind the eye, especially with eye movement which can be worse in the morning.
- Red and irritated eyes.
- Dry eyes.
- Double vision.
- Sensitivity to light.
Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Disease
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