Low thyroid hormone levels can cause a range of signs and symptoms. If left undetected and untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications.
1. Causes of hypothyroidism
There are many reasons why cells in the thyroid gland may not produce enough thyroid hormone. Some of the most common causes include:
- Thyroid atrophy due to genetic factors or the effects of medication.
- Thyroiditis.
- Treatment for hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism when the medications 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 conditions such as pituitary cancer, adrenal gland disorders, and congenital hypothyroidism.
If hypothyroidism is not detected and treated early, it can lead to serious health consequences such as: Goiter; Increased cholesterol levels, leading to an increased risk of atherosclerosis – a cause of heart failure; Hypothermia, poor tolerance to cold, slight weight gain due to water retention and decreased metabolism.
Hypothyroidism can lead to memory loss, ranging from mild to severe, personality changes or psychosis; the patient's skin is often dry and flaky, the face is swollen; and the hair is also dry and abnormally brittle.
In addition, hypothyroidism can cause complications such as slow heart rate, poor digestion, and constipation; it can also affect reproductive health, potentially leading to infertility, menstrual irregularities, and reduced ovarian function resulting in premature menopause.
Get regular health checkups to detect hypothyroidism early.
2. How to recognize hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism does not have any specific symptoms; common symptoms are easily confused with other conditions such as: fatigue, memory loss, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, dry and easily falling hair, slow heart rate, constipation, etc.
Those with a history of thyroid surgery or radiation therapy to the neck area, who are taking medications that can cause hypothyroidism such as amiodarone, lithium, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, or who have a family history of thyroid disease.
Blood tests: Elevated TSH and decreased FT4 levels are indicators that help confirm the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
Therefore, individuals at high risk or with a history of thyroid surgery should have regular check-ups as scheduled so that doctors can monitor symptoms, their progression, and advise on timely treatment. It is important to note that self-medication should be avoided without a doctor's prescription. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, supplementing with necessary nutrients, and engaging in physical exercise will improve overall health.
3. When should I see a doctor immediately?
If hypothyroidism symptoms reappear or worsen, patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following:
- Patients experience significant weight gain or loss.
- Patients who start, change the dosage of, or stop taking a medication that reduces thyroxine absorption (such as some antacids, calcium supplements, and iron tablets) may also affect thyroxine dosage. Medications containing estrogen (birth control pills) also affect thyroxine dosage.
- Patients may start or stop taking certain medications used to control seizures (epilepsy), such as phenytoin or tegretol, because these medications increase the rate of thyroxine metabolism, and the thyroxine dosage may need to be adjusted.
- The patient does not take the medication regularly.
4. Preventing hypothyroidism
There are many ways to prevent hypothyroidism, the best of which is regular health checkups, especially for those in high-risk groups.
Women of childbearing age should undergo early screening before becoming pregnant. During the first three months of pregnancy, when the fetus's thyroid gland has not yet formed, a large amount of thyroid hormone is needed for the formation and development of the nervous system. If there is a deficiency of hormone at this time due to maternal hypothyroidism, the child is more likely to be born with intellectual disabilities.
Babies born to mothers with hypothyroidism should have a heel prick blood test in the first few days after birth. The purpose is to check for thyroid disorders and treat them early if they are diagnosed.
In addition, maintaining a healthy diet is necessary to prevent thyroid diseases. The body cannot synthesize iodine on its own and must obtain it through diet. Some of the abundant sources of iodine are marine plants such as kelp, seaweed, cereal milk, and eggs.
It is recommended to include 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 and reduce thyroid problems.
Dr. Nguyen Van Hiep
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/4-luu-y-khi-bi-suy-giap-172240924093521348.htm
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