Hypothyroidism disease and symptoms of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism disease and symptoms of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism disease is a condition due to underactive thyroid gland. There is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones, which slows down the body functions.

More than 15% of older people have some degree of hypothyroidism. Women are affected about twice as often as men.

Hypothyroidism Causes

* In many people, a specific cause cannot be found

* Hashimoto's thyroiditis (the most common specific cause of hypothyroidism) the thyroid gland may enlarge initially but as the disease progresses, it will damage the thyroid gland resulting in hypothyroidism.

* Drugs eg. those used to treat overactivity of the thyroid gland, lithium (used to treat mental illness) and amiodarone (used to treat heart disease)

* Previous surgical removal of the thyroid gland

* Previous thyroid radiation

* Disorders of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland (these are rare causes).

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Elderly patients have significantly fewer symptoms of hypothyroidism than do younger adults and complaints are often subtle and vague.

* Sensitivity to cold

* Constipation

* Weight gain

* Feeling tired

* Dry and coarse skin, puffy face and swelling especially around the eyes.

* Depressed mood

* Muscles and joints may be painful or weak, which can interfere with the ability to walk.

* Non-specific symptoms eg. confusion, loss of appetite, weight loss, falling, incontinence, and decreased mobility

* Coma (or lost of consciousness) if severe and can be fatal

The term subclinical hypothyroidism implies that the patient has no symptoms of hypothyroidism and it can only be diagnosed by blood tests.

information from WHO ( World Health Organization )

The thyroid gland sits in the neck and is responsible for metabolic control. It produces thyroid hormone which is involved in many of the body's metabolic processes. Among women with hypothyroidism, (insufficient thyroid hormone), smoking is reported to be responsible for both decreasing secretion of thyroid hormone and blocking its action, thus exacerbating the symptoms of hypothyroidism

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