Do I have Hypothyroidism?

 

Many people experience a variety of ailments that can cause them to feel concerned for their overall health. Annual health exams may not always pinpoint a problem. If a diet change or other lifestyle changes do not resolve the issues, it is time to look more deeply for the cause of the problem. Sometimes, the concerns people feel could be due to an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism is a health issue that often goes undiagnosed. Here is how to determine if you should speak to a doctor about screening for this condition.

Understanding the Thyroid

The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck, produces hormones that affect how the organs operate. The gland can affect every organ in the body. When the thyroid slows down its production of the hormones the body needs, it can slow the function of the organs. This slowdown causes a variety of changes in the system. An underproducing thyroid is a condition known as Hypothyroidism.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Common causes of Hypothyroidism are injury or illness to the thyroid or removal of all or part of the gland. Some medications can cause the thyroid to slow its production of hormones. Iodine is a nutritional necessity for thyroid efficiency. Individuals that fail to get enough iodine in their diet may develop the condition. Some diseases unrelated to the thyroid can cause deposits to form in the gland and inhibit its ability to work correctly.

Women are most at risk for developing the condition, and the risk increases as women age. Genetic disorders or a family history of thyroid issues, pregnancies, and a variety of unrelated diseases can also increase the risk.

Problems Hypothyroidism Goes Untreated

Many symptoms can appear when the condition begins. The biggest concern is the potential health problems that can develop if the condition remains untreated. Pregnant women with an underactive thyroid face a higher risk of complications with their pregnancy. Some women develop high blood pressure during the pregnancy, miscarriage risk increases, and premature births are possible. Sometimes the condition can affect the development of the baby.

Some issues, like joint pain, can become intolerable. Other concerns, like obesity or heart disease, are more concerning because they can cause severe illness for the individual. An underactive thyroid can also cause infertility. An underactive thyroid can cause cholesterol numbers to increase. Severe cases can slow the body's functions enough to put people into a coma. Cases like this are extremely rare.

Symptoms of Condition

There are a variety of symptoms that may begin when the thyroid becomes underactive. Not everyone experiences all symptoms, and the combination of symptoms can differ from person to person. A delay in diagnosis can occur because many of the symptoms' people experience have other plausible causes.

One symptom that stands out is the growth of a goiter. A goiter is when the thyroid gland enlarges and makes the neck appear swollen. The condition is uncomfortable and can become dangerous if it grows large enough to interfere with swallowing or breathing. Other symptoms related to an underactive thyroid include:

•    Constipation
•    Weight gain and a puffy face
•    Exhaustion
•    Cold intolerance
•    A reduction in sweat
•    Irregular menstrual cycles
•    Heavy periods
•    Pain in the joints and muscles
•    Dry skin and hair
•    Hair loss
•    Slow heart rate
•    Depression
•    Infertility

Getting a Diagnosis

Screening should occur whenever a combination of the symptoms listed above begins and does not seem to subside with lifestyle changes. A diagnosis will involve a traditional medical exam and a discussion of personal and family medical histories. Testing will begin if the doctor believes a thyroid issue exists. The typical tests used are two blood tests designed to measure gland function and how the body processes the hormone. There are other functional tests that may be recommended.

Treatment Options Available

A positive diagnosis will require the patient to begin Hypothyroidism treatment. The treatment method ensures the body gets enough hormones to replace what the gland cannot produce. There are a variety of options for treatment available, and your doctor can discuss with you. Regular testing is a vital part of treatment because consistently monitoring the gland's performance allows the doctor to balance the hormone level by adjusting medication levels as needed. 

Monitoring remains a crucial step for health because hormone levels can also cause health concerns when they become too high. If a patient takes too high a dose of medication, the symptoms they feel can change. Some potential side effects can include muscle weakness, heart palpitations, hot flashes, increased appetite, sleep disorders, and shakiness, among many other symptoms.

Hypothyroidism is a treatable condition found in about 10 percent of the population. Getting help for an underactive thyroid helps people feel better quickly. Treatment also prevents the development of severe health concerns. Both the testing process and treatment for the condition are non-invasive.

About the Author

Dr. Dana Cohen is a leading holistic doctor in Manhattan who treats hypothyroidism with integrative, functional, and holistic natural remedies. Learn more by visiting her website at www.DrDanaCohen.com