Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid hormone levels are low. The condition is also known as ‘underactive thyroid’
Many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are non-specific. Hypothyroidism may be present if you have the following
Hypothyroidism is one of the causes of high cholesterol and may thus affect your heart and circulation.
Congenital Hypothyroidism (from birth), if untreated, will result in mental retardation and poor development in child.
In pregnancy, lack of thyroid hormones may result in abortion, poor fetal growth and mental ability of the child.
Hypothyroidism is usually diagnosed by blood tests. Your doctor will ask for TSH and T4. Usually TSH is elevated and T4 is low in hypothyroidism. Additional tests may be ordered by your doctor as needed.
Iodine deficiency is the major cause of hypothyroidism in the world. In iodine sufficient/supplemented areas of the world, like Kerala, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the commonest cause. In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the body produces an antibody which destroys own thyroid gland and decreases its function. Other causes of hypothyroidism could be medications, surgery and radioiodine therapy. Genetic causes resulting in absence or abnormal development of thyroid causes congenital hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is treated with levothyroxine, which is identical to the thyroxine (T4) produced in our body. Your doctor will decide the dose of thyroxine you need. It is best taken in an empty stomach. Your doctor will ask for repeat thyroid function testing to decide the correct dose of medication. In most cases, thyroxine replacement has to be continued for life.
It is really not necessary that you screen for hypothyroidism if you don’t have any symptoms. However, certain groups of people are at increased risk and it is good to screen
1. If you have a goiter
2. If you have strong family history of thyroid disease
3. If you are on drugs like Lithium, Amiodarone etc
4. If you have undergone head and neck radiation for any reason
5. If you are pregnant
Our doctors will help in the diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism. Keeping optimum levels of thyroid hormones anticipating progression of disease is completely under the realms of endocrinology experts. Since not all forms of hypothyroidism are permanent, our specialists will help decide the future course of action in each patient.
