Also referred to as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is a disease that develops when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone thus slowing down every chemical reaction in the body. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States with an estimated 11 million being affected. This figure includes both the adults and children with research statistics indicating that 2 out of every 3 infected people are unaware that they are affected by hypothyroidism. The effect of the disease is life threatening complications yet very few people have knowledge on the condition.
Although the disease has been known to have hereditary tendencies, the factors causing hypothyroidism are many. Age, weight and medical history are among some of the factors that increase chances of someone developing the disease. Noteworthy is the fact that the disease is more common among middle aged and elderly women as compared to other age-groups and different gender.
Hypothyroidism in most cases results from the Hashimoto disease or chronic thyroiditis. This is a condition which is manifested through the inflammation of the thyroid gland. In this case, the failure of the immune system to recognize the thyroid gland as part of the body’s own tissue leads to the white blood cells attacking it. This attack on the thyroid gland by the immune system subsequently causes malfunction by the gland as it cannot produce enough of the thyroid hormone. The attack can actually cause total destruction of the thyroid gland if left uncontrolled. Apart from this major cause, the hypothyroidism disease is also caused by radiation, surgery, environmental contaminants, congenital defect and poor diet. It can also be caused by certain viral and bacterial attacks. The failure of the pituitary gland to function properly can cause hypothyroidism as well as use of certain medications.
Hypothyroidism is accompanied by a number of symptoms that are common in other illnesses as well. However, patients who complain of fatigue, constipation, dry skin, depression and high diastolic blood pressure occurring together and persistently so are very likely to be suffering from hypothyroidism. Patients of this disease also experience unexplained weight gain and suffer from goiter which is a condition where the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. Another symptom of the disease is decreased heart rate and patients may also suffer from progressive hearing loss. Memory loss and lack of concentration are also other symptoms common in patients suffering from the disease.
For one to diagnose the disease, the patient’s blood samples are taken to measure the levels of the thyroid hormone and the pituitary’s thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The diagnosis can also be confirmed by an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and a thyroid nuclear medicine scan.
A synthetic thyroid hormone tablet is prescribed for the patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and in most cases it is taken daily for the rest of their lives. Regular exercise and high-fiber diet are also recommended to maintain thyroid function and prevent constipation. There are also herbal remedies for hypothyroidism like bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus).
