Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, & Complications

What exactly is the thyroid? 

Well, it is a butterfly-shaped gland sitting at the front of your neck, which releases hormones that are responsible for providing energy to almost every organ in your body. From the working of your heart to the digestive system, everything is dependent on the thyroid. The body's natural functions start to slow down if the hormone production is hampered due to any reason.

Now, if you have been recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and want to know a little more about it, you have reached your destination. 

 

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease can vary from person to person, and a lot of times, it is difficult to identify them. Fatigue and weight gain are the starting symptoms. Other common symptoms include:

 

● Constipation

● Feeling cold

● Depression

● Impaired memory

● Hoarseness

● Dry skin

● Muscle weakness

● Slowed heart rate

● Decreased sweating

● Puffiness

● Menstrual changes

● Stiffness in joints

 

Hypothyroidism Causes

The most common cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as an autoimmune disorder. What happens here is, the immune system that protects your body from harmful bacterias and viruses by mistake attacks your thyroid gland and causes chronic thyroid inflammation. The pituitary gland dysfunction slows down the production of the thyroid. However, in other cases, certain medications can lead to Hypothyroidism.

 

Hypothyroidism Risk Factors

Some factors that can increase your risk of developing Hypothyroidism are:

 

● Being older than 60

● Being female

● Having an autoimmune disease

● Having a family history of thyroid disease

● Being of Asian or Caucasian ethnicity

● Prior thyroid surgery

● Exposure to radiation in the neck

● Personal history of lithium use

● Having chromosomal abnormalities

 

Hypothyroidism Complications

Leaving the disorder untreated can lead to some severe complications. Some of these complications include:

 

●     Goiter: When the thyroid keeps on exerting itself to produce the hormones, it may cause the thyroid gland to enlarge and cause a bulge in your neck. This condition is called Goiter.

 

●     Birth Defects: Having untreated Hypothyroidism during pregnancy increases the risk of your child having congenital disabilities. They can also experience physical and mental development issues as the thyroid hormones are vital for the development process.

 

●     Mental Health Issues: Mild Hypothyroidism can lead to depression, and as the symptoms increase, that can affect your mental health very quickly.

 

●     Infertility: Deficient thyroid hormone levels decrease the chances of conceiving. Although, even after complete treatment of Hypothyroidism, there is no guarantee of fertility.

 

●     Heart Problems: The risk of heart attack increases as an underactive thyroid increases terrible cholesterol levels. This directly leads to the hardening of arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke.

 

Hypothyroidism v/s Hyperthyroidism

There are two types of thyroid conditions, Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism; where Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid that produces too much thyroid hormone. In contrast, Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid that lacks the production of enough thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism causes symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain, and slowed metabolism, which leads to restricted body functions. On the other hand, Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, and you may experience more energy. You will feel anxious instead of depressed in the later one. 

In the United States, out of the two, Hypothyroidism is a more common condition.

 

Takeaway

The good news is that treatment for Hypothyroidism is available. You can consult your doctor right away if you are feeling symptoms of this disease. If prescribed by your doctor, you can buy Hypothyroidism medications online from us at reasonable prices and get them delivered right to your doorstep without having to pay extra.