Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Your thyroid is responsible for supplying almost every organ in your body with energy. It controls functions, such as how the heart beats and how the digestive system operates. Without the proper amount of thyroid hormones, the normal functions of your body tend to slow down.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of those essential hormones.

Hypothyroidism cannot cause significant symptoms at an early stage. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a variety of health issues, including obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

Also known as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism affects women more often than men. It usually affects individuals over the age of 60, but can start at any age. It can be detected by a regular blood test or after symptoms have begun.

It's important to know that treatment is considered easy, safe, and successful if you've recently been diagnosed with the disease. Most therapies rely on the addition of artificial varieties to your low hormone levels. These hormones can compensate for what your body does not generate on its own and help restore the functions of your body to normal.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism differ from person to person. The severity of the disorder also affects which signs and symptoms arise and when. Symptoms are also difficult to recognize, too.

Early signs can include weight gain and fatigue. Both become more normal as you age, regardless of the health of your thyroid. You do not know that these changes are linked to your thyroid disorder until further symptoms occur.

Hypothyroidism's most common signs and symptoms include:

• constipation

• decreased sweating

• depression

• dry skin

• dry, thinning hair

• elevated blood cholesterol level

• fatigue

• hoarseness

• impaired memory

• irregular menstrual periods

• muscle stiffness, aches, and tenderness

• muscle weakness

• pain and stiffness in your joints

• puffy face

• sensitivity to cold

• slowed heart rate

• weight gain

Causes of Hypothyroidism

If your thyroid does not generate enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be disrupted. A variety of causes can occur, including:

• Autoimmune disease

• Hyperthyroidism treatments

• Radiation therapy

• Thyroid surgery

• Medications

Hypothyroidism Complications

A number of health problems may result from untreated hypothyroidism:

• Balance problems

• Birth defects

• Goiter

• Heart problems

• Infertility

• Joint pain

• Mental health issues

• Myxedema.

• Obesity

• Peripheral neuropathy

To Sum It Up

Hypothyroidism is a fairly common condition. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of an under-active thyroid gland. Most generally, it affects middle-aged women, but it can occur in men and children. In families, this requirement also applies. If a family member has been diagnosed with this condition, the risk of developing it is higher.

It's important to pay attention to the changes over your life span that your body goes through. Speak to your doctor if you find a big change in how you feel or how your body reacts, to see if you may be affected by a thyroid problem.