About the disease
Hypothyroidism is an endocrinological condition, whereby the thyroid gland has problems producing enough hormones. As a result, chemical reactions in the body become abnormal and the metabolism gradually starts to slow down. The first symptom of hypothyroidism is unexplained weight gain that has not been caused by an increase in the amount of food consumed. Usually, hypothyroidism develops very gradually and is more predominant in women. If not treated in time, it can progress to its advanced stage, also known as myxedema.
Myxedema most often manifests itself with severe swelling of the legs or abdomen. Myxedema is an emergency medical condition and requires immediate treatment. The most dangerous complication of this condition is a myxedema coma. This type of coma occurs if there is a longstanding loss of brain function due to a prolonged deficiency of the thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism sometimes manifests itself as swelling in the neck, also known as goiter. Trying to make up for the lack of hormone, the thyroid gland starts to overwork itself, resulting in its increase in size. 50% of all hypothyroidism cases are caused by autoimmune diseases. Other causes may include previous thyroid surgery, a genetic predisposition and, in rare cases, pregnancy.
Symptoms
- Weight gain
- Joint pain
- Slow heart rate
- Weakness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Cold skin
- Increased sensitivity to cold
Diagnosis
- During a general examination, the doctor can establish whether the patient has low blood pressure and cold skin.
- A blood test is essential for diagnosing this condition, as it shows how much TSH is in the blood. Usually, a low level of TSH indicates hypothyroidism. However, hormonal tests are also required in order to establish whether the patient has hypothyroidism or another hormonal condition that could be causing low levels of TSH.
- Ultrasound of the thyroid gland is used to check for goiter.
Treatment
- Conservative treatment is usually enough to ensure the complete recovery of patients with hypothyroidism. Synthetic thyroid hormone is prescribed, which normalizes the thyroid gland’s behaviour. It must be taken in certain doses, which are measured by the endocrinologist. The dose should precisely contain the amount of hormone that the patient is lacking. Synthetic thyroid hormone can also lower cholesterol levels, which are usually high due to a slow metabolism caused by hypothyroidism. It also helps the patient to gradually lose the extra weight they have gained.
- In some cases, patients also need to take vitamins and medications that contain calcium to overcome feelings of weakness and to regain strength and stamina.
Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
