Hypothyroidism thyroid – Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis; Underactive Thyroid)
What is hypothyroidism thyroid?
Thyroid – butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck. It produces hormones, that control metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes, that the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The most common form of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Causes of hypothyroidism
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system produces antibodies, that attack cells of the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism can also cause:
- Congenital or acquired diseases of the thyroid gland;
- Iatrogenic illness – It is the result of surgery or radiation therapy for the treatment of thyroid cancer;
- Iodine deficiency – rarely;
- Pituitary insufficiency;
- Unknown causes.
Risk factors for hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is more common in women, age group 65 and older. Other factors, which may increase the risk of hypothyroidism include:
- A family history of hypothyroidism;
- Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, celiac disease, diabetes 1 type or rheumatoid arthritis;
- Some diseases, such as infiltrative disease, cancer or infection;
- Surgery, radiation therapy, or radiofrequency ablation in the neck;
- Taking certain medications, such as lithium,, Iodine, interleukins or;
- Hypophyseal adenoma – a benign tumor of the pituitary gland.
Hypothyroidism symptoms
Hypothyroidism usually does not cause symptoms. If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism can be observed:
- Fatigue;
- Weakness;
- Rough, brittle hair, hair loss;
- Swelling of the face;
- Dry skin;
- Swollen hands or feet;
- Cold intolerance;
- Weight gain;
- Constipation;
- The feeling of soreness in the whole body;
- Depression and irritability;
- Memory loss;
- Difficulty concentrating;
- Blurred vision;
- Violation of menstruation or infertility.
Symptoms of severe or prolonged hypothyroidism include:
- Slow heart rate;
- Depressed breathing;
- Gipotermiя – low body temperature;
- Coma.
Hypothyroidism Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination.
The tests may include blood tests, to check the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and / or free T4 hormone. Also, your doctor may recommend other tests, to eliminate the disease, which are similar to hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
Thyroid replacement therapy includes medication, which perform the function of thyroid hormones. This therapy may also prevent the growth of cancer cells in patients, who had surgery or radiation therapy for cancer of the thyroid gland.
People with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are controlled since, until the thyroid gland performing its function, and there are no symptoms. If the production of hormones decreases or symptoms of disease, is assigned to treatment with hormone replacement therapy.
Hypothyroidism Prevention
At the moment, there are no methods to prevent hypothyroidism.
International health organizations recommend screening all newborns for congenital hypothyroidism. When you are at risk of developing hypothyroidism need to undergo an annual review the functioning of the thyroid gland.
