4 things to note when having hypothyroidism

Low thyroid hormone levels can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. If not recognized and treated early, hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications.

1. Causes of hypothyroidism

There are many reasons why cells in the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. Common causes include:

- Thyroid atrophy due to genetics, drug effects.

- Thyroiditis.

- Treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism when the drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism block or reduce the production of thyroid hormones.

- Iodine deficiency: an important substance for the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

- Other diseases such as pituitary cancer, adrenal gland disease, congenital hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism, if not detected early and treated, will lead to serious health effects such as: Goiter; Increased cholesterol levels, leading to the risk of atherosclerosis - the cause of heart failure; Hypothermia, poor cold tolerance, slight weight gain due to water retention and reduced metabolism.

Hypothyroidism can lead to memory loss, which can range from mild to severe personality changes or psychosis; the patient's skin is often dry, flaky, and the face is swollen; hair is also dry and breaks abnormally.

In addition, hypothyroidism can also cause complications such as slow heart rate, poor digestion, constipation; affect reproductive health: the ability to cause infertility, menstrual disorders, reduced ovarian activity leading to early menopause.

Regular health check-ups to detect hypothyroidism early.

2. How to recognize hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism does not have any specific symptoms. Common symptoms are easily confused with other diseases such as: fatigue, memory loss, fear of cold, dry skin, dry hair that falls out easily, slow heart rate, constipation...

People with a history of thyroid surgery or radiation therapy to the neck, taking medications that can cause hypothyroidism such as amiodarone, lithium, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, or a family history of thyroid disease.

Blood tests: Increased TSH and decreased FT4 are signs that help diagnose hypothyroidism.

Therefore, people at high risk or with a history of thyroid surgery need to have regular check-ups according to the appointment schedule so that the doctor can monitor symptoms, developments, and advise on timely treatment. It is important to note that you should not take medication without a doctor's prescription. Follow a healthy lifestyle, supplement the body with necessary nutrients, and exercise to improve your health.

3. When should I see a doctor immediately?

If hypothyroidism symptoms reappear or become more severe, patients should see a doctor immediately if they have the following symptoms:

• Patients gain or lose a lot of weight.
• The patient starts, changes the dose, or stops taking a medication that reduces thyroxine absorption (such as some antacids, calcium supplements, and iron tablets); Medications containing estrogen (birth control pills) also affect thyroxine levels.
• Patients who start or stop taking certain medications to control seizures (epilepsy) such as phenytoin or tegretol, as these medications increase the rate of thyroxine metabolism and the thyroxine dosage may need to be adjusted.
• Patients do not take medication regularly.

4. Prevent hypothyroidism

There are many ways to prevent hypothyroidism, the best of which is regular health check-ups, especially for those at high risk.

Women of childbearing age should have early screening tests before becoming pregnant. In the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the fetus has not yet formed a thyroid gland, a large amount of thyroid hormone is needed for the formation and development of the nervous system. If at this time there is a lack of hormones due to the mother having hypothyroidism, the child is likely to be born with intellectual disabilities.

Babies born to women with hypothyroidism should have a heel prick test in the first few days after birth. The purpose is to check for thyroid disease and treat it early if it is present.

In addition, it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet to prevent thyroid diseases. The body cannot synthesize iodine by itself and must be supplemented through diet. One of the abundant sources of iodine is marine plants such as kelp, seaweed, cereal milk and eggs...

You should supplement fresh fruits and vegetables; spices such as pepper, ginger, chili and cinnamon... Supplement omega 3 fatty acids by eating fish oil, sardines, salmon, flaxseed, beef, halibut, soybeans and shrimp... These foods help improve metabolism, reduce thyroid problems in the body.

Dr. Nguyen Van Hiep

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/4-luu-y-khi-bi-suy-giap-172240924093521348.htm