How do you know if you are being affected by an underactive thyroid? There are so many symptoms associated with this condition (known as hypothyroidism) that it is very easy to ignore the fact that you may have a problem.

Some of the symptoms involved in hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease- Kathryn Borg

A recently affected person had been suffering for several years before she finally, in desperation, decided to visit the doctor with a huge list of seemingly unrelated symptoms. The worst of which (total exhaustion) had become life-affecting and finally drove her to visit the doctor’s surgery.

After relating the list of symptoms, she looked in absolute despair at the doctor as she said “What is wrong with me?” Her lifestyle was healthy, she ate healthy food, didn’t drink alcohol, smoke or take medication.

The doctor immediately suggested a range of blood tests. However, the patient realised later, the doctor already knew what was wrong with her as all the symptoms pointed to it.

When she returned to hear the results of the blood test she was horrified. It was clear that her condition was in the advanced stages and the doctor clearly explained that if she hadn’t come to see him at this stage she may have found herself in hospital.

The patient’s first two questions were: “What is hypothyroidism” and “How does it affect the body?”The condition is a result of a reduced level of thyroid hormone (thyroxine).

This can cause various symptoms, the most common being tiredness, weight gain, constipation, aches, dry skin, lifeless hair and feeling cold. The thyroid gland is located just in front of the trachea in the neck, right under the chin.

Treatment is usually straightforward, by taking a tablet each day to replace the missing thyroxine. Treatment usually works well and symptoms recede.

More specifically, thyroxine is a hormone made by the thyroid gland in the neck. It is carried round the body in the bloodstream. It helps keep the body’s functions (metabolism) working at the correct pace. Many cells and tissues in the body need thyroxine to keep them going correctly.

Hypothyroidism is a sign that the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroxine. It is often called an underactive thyroid. This causes many of the body’s functions to slow down. (In contrast, if you have hyperthyroidism, you make too much thyroxine. This causes many of the body’s functions to speed up.)

There are many symptoms that can be caused by a low level of thyroxine. Basically, many body functions slow down. Not all symptoms develop in all cases. Symptoms which commonly occur include tiredness, weight gain, constipation, aches, feeling cold, dry skin, lifeless hair, fluid retention, mental slowing, and depression.

Less common symptoms (or those experienced in advanced stages) include a hoarse voice, irregular or heavy menstrual periods in women, infertility, loss of sex drive, carpal tunnel syndrome (which causes pains and numbness in the hand), and memory loss or confusion in the elderly.

The patient mentioned had been looking at all these symptoms as separate problems; why should she link them all together? However, if she had spoken to her doctor at an earlier stage, she may have halted the symptoms.

It is worth commenting that all these symptoms can be caused by other conditions; sometimes the diagnosis is not obvious. Symptoms usually develop slowly and gradually become worse over months, or years, as the level of thyroxine in the body gradually falls.

Which is exactly what happened to this woman. Symptoms had increased and become so serious that the patient was desperate to try to understand what was happening to her. The repetitive strain injury was the last straw, as the pain from this was keeping her awake at night and she couldn’t understand why it had developed so quickly.

Some of the symptoms involved in hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of developing heart disease. This is because a low thyroxine level causes the blood lipids, or cholesterol, to rise.

However, with treatment, the outlook is excellent, although, as explained to the patient, it can take up to 12 to 18 months. With treatment, symptoms usually go and those affected should regain their energy and eliminate all debilitating symptoms.

The important facts to gain from this experience are that, for once, lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, exercise, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and drugs appear to have no effect on whether or not a person becomes hypothyroid.

However, iodine deficiency is looked on as a common cause and can come from some types of diet. The body requires iodine to make thyroxine. One rich source of iodine is shellfish.

The condition affects around one in 50 women; about one in 1,000 men develop hypothyroidism at some time in their life. It most commonly develops in adult women, and becomes more common with increasing age. However, it can occur at any age and can affect anyone.

One lifestyle issue that can definitely contribute to developing hypothyroidism is stress. A period of prolonged and serious stress or trauma can make a huge contribution towards this condition.

In summary: hypothyroidism is common. Symptoms develop gradually and they may be confused with other conditions.

Treatment is usually easy and effective and lifelong.

Finally, blood tests are necessary to ensure the treatment is stabilised and relative to the patient.

kathryn@maltanet.net

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