What Health Problems can Hypothyroidism Cause?
The health problems that Hypothyroidism can cause are numerous. Some of the most common issues include:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Muscle weakness
• Joint pain
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Poor memory and concentration skills
Hypothyroidism can lead to more severe health problems such as heart disease, infertility, and diabetes if left untreated.
What are the Signs or Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
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The most common sign of Hypothyroidism is fatigue. Other possible symptoms include:
• Weight gain, despite an increase in exercise and attempts to lose weight
• Muscle weakness, particularly in the arms and legs
• Joint pain in the hands, feet, hips, or knees that occurs in the absence of injury or overuse
• Dry skin that lacks luster and elasticity
• Hair loss (usually thinning rather than bald patches) on the scalp, body, eyebrows/lashes, or pubic area
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating; inability to focus for extended periods; poor attention span; trouble finding words; impaired reasoning skills; reduced comprehension
• Depression, irritability, and mood swings
• Difficulty sleeping (especially problems falling asleep or staying asleep)
• Thinning hair on head and eyebrows
• Menstrual irregularities/amenorrhea (irregular menstruation) in females of reproductive age; infertility in men and women; erectile dysfunction in adult males
• Constipation
• Irritability or anxiety
Are there Other illnesses that can Mimic Hypothyroidism?
Yes. Several conditions can cause similar symptoms as low thyroid levels, including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, celiac disease, lupus, diabetes mellitus, viral infections such as mono, AIDS dementia complex, illness, certain medications such as lithium and interferon-alpha, and anemia.
Consequently, it is essential to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional to diagnose Hypothyroidism accurately.
What is the Treatment for Hypothyroidism?
The most common treatment for Hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT). This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones in tablets, pills, or liquid drops to restore normal thyroid levels. Some people also require a slight increase in dosage during times of stress, such as pregnancy or illness.
While taking THRT, it is essential to have regular checkups with a healthcare professional to ensure that the dosage is appropriate and that there are no other underlying health problems.
Additionally, those with Hypothyroidism should avoid consuming large amounts of iodine (found in iodized salt, seafood, seaweed, and some multivitamins) as this can interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
How would Hypothyroidism Affect the Patient’s General Health?
The most significant health risk posed by untreated Hypothyroidism is its damage to the heart. In particular, an underactive thyroid can lead to myxedema, in which the body’s tissues become swollen because of excess water retention.
This swelling usually affects the face, eyes, and other body parts such as feet, hands, arms, legs, and genitals. If extended areas of swelling cause fluid buildup in your lungs, this may lead to severe breathing problems.
In addition to potentially causing physical symptoms, Hypothyroidism has been linked to several psychological problems that can significantly affect general health, including depression, personality changes/mood swings, decreased sex drive (in men and women), and impaired cognitive function.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The most common symptoms of Hypothyroidism are fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
While there are many potential health risks associated with untreated Hypothyroidism, it is possible to manage the condition with proper medical treatment. By understanding the signs and symptoms of Hypothyroidism and seeking medical help, you can get on the path to feeling better.
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Breathlessness?
While the exact cause of Hypothyroidism is unknown, it can often be due to an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. For example, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition that causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland. As a result, this may lead to low thyroid hormones (Hypothyroidism).
Does Hypothyroidism Affect the Heart?
Yes. Hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema, caused by excess water retention in the body’s tissues.
What Should Someone with Hypothyroidism Eat?
In addition to avoiding high-iodine foods, those with low thyroid function should speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate dietary changes. In some cases, Hypothyroidism may indicate other health problems, such as celiac disease or diabetes, so a doctor must have a thorough evaluation.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be caused by several factors, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the Autoimmune body disorders where antibodies attack normal cells. Congenital conditions that are present from Genetic birth factors where you inherit genes from your parent’s Radiation treatment, Exposure to high levels of iodine radiation, Nuclear fallout, Previous thyroid surgery or injury, Pancreatitis Kidney failure, Exposure to certain medications, Radiation therapy (used in some types of cancer, treatment)
Hashimoto’s disease is one cause of the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid gland. The most common symptoms are feeling tired, weight gain, dry skin or hair loss, constipation (trouble with bowel movements), depression of moods, and memory problems.
It can have an effect on fertility for women who have it, too. Treatment is usually a prescribed synthetic hormone pill taken daily. Docs will check lab tests quarterly to see if you need a change in your dosage.