Hypothyroidism

Globally 10 percent women have subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition found in early stage of hypothyroidism. The malfunction of the thyroid gland has all pervasive effects on our body. Fortunately, treating and detecting hypothyroidism is easy.
What role does the thyroid gland play in our overall health?

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism — from the rate at which your heart beats to how quickly you burn calories. When your thyroid gland stops secreting required amount of hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism sets in, which upsets the balance of chemical reactions in your body.

What causes hypothyroidism?

The commonest cause for hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease—an autoimmune disorder—a condition in which body mistakenly identifies thyroid gland and the hormones secreted from this gland as foreign invaders and attacks it. The persistent attacks by the immune system on the thyroid gland result in reduced efficiency of thyroid. Sometimes, treatment for overactive thyroid gland, radiation therapy, surgery and certain medications too can cause hypothyroidism.

Why women are more prone to hypothyroidism?

Women have a greater tendency than men to suffer thyroid problems, especially hypo- (low) thyroid function. No one clearly knows why. It probably has to do with the interplay between our reproductive hormones — particularly, estrogen and progesterone — and our thyroid hormones. Pregnancy is a major factor for increased vulnerability of women to hypothyroidism. Changes in reproductive hormones also cause changes in thyroid hormone levels. In addition, some women develop antibodies to their own thyroid during pregnancy, causing a condition known as postpartum autoimmune, or painless thyroiditis. Many women experience under active or hypothyroid issues during peri menopause—prior to menopause, just as some do during adolescence or pregnancy, the two other stages of tremendous hormonal flux, in lives of women.

What are the effects of low level of thyroid hormone?

Thyroid hormone stimulates metabolism and low levels of this hormone slows our metabolic processes. The classic symptoms– fatigue, dry skin, irritability, heightened sensitivity to cold, decreased appetite and muscle cramps—easily overlap with the symptoms of ageing or stress thereby evading checkup. Hypothyroidism can make menstrual cycles irregular in women, which lowers the chances of conception. In early pregnancy untreated hypothyroidism increases risk for miscarriage. Even mild hypothyroidism, if untreated, can have subtle adverse impact on foetal development. Hence, its important for women to undergo thyroid scan before they try to conceive. Unregulated thyroid levels can make you prone to high blood pressure too.

Fortunately treating hypothyroidism is easy.

Based on an interview with Dr. Ambrish Mithal, senior consultant endocrinology with Medanta, Medicity.

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