What is Hypothyroid Disease?
Hypothyroidism is the term used for abnormally low activity of the thyroid gland. Since the thyroid gland serves so many functions, signs and symptoms are varying and can affect many aspects of human health. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by signs and symptoms, and confirmed with blood tests.
It affects about 1 in 4,000 newborns and approximately 1% of the population.
A Review of Normal Thyroid Function
Thyroid function is controlled by a variety of glands and hormones, as depicted in the figure below.
For more information, please click here for a full detailed explanation.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is low functioning thyroid. This means that T3 and T4 are either low or not having their usual effects on the rest of the body.
The image below depicts how low functioning thyroid may look on blood work. Low T3 and T4 and elevated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) are commonly seen in patients with low functioning thyroid.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
There are various causes of low functioning thyroid. Anyone diagnosed with hypothyroidism must ensure their health care provider has investigated the following relate to their case:
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (most common case)
- Congenital Hypothytoidism (Cretinism)
- Thyroid Ablation
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- Treatment of Graves’ Disease: typically radioactive iodine (I-131) or thyroidectomy
- Treatment of some cancers (such as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Laryngeal cancer), typically neck radiation
- Medications
- Secondary Hypothyroidism
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- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Pituitary necrosis (Sheehan’s syndrome)
- Pituitary or hypothalamic lesion
- HIV lesion on highly active antiretrovirals
- Transient Hypothyroidism
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- Postpartum thyroiditis
- Subacute thyroiditis
- Silent thyroiditis
- TSH receptors blocking anti-body associated thyroiditis
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Since thyroid function controls every aspect of your body, symptoms can be quite broad. In fact, none of the symptoms are specific to hypothyroidism, which is why a thorough medical history, as well as lab testing, is crucial.
Generalized
- Fatigue or weakness (99%)
- Lethargy (91%)
- Cold intolerance (89%)
- Weight gain despite diminished food intake
- Edema
- Arthralgias (joint pains)
- Myalgias (muscle pains)
Neuropsychiatric
- Diminished libido
- Headache
- Hoarseness
- Slow thinking
- Forgetfulness (66%)
- Slow speech (91%)
- Depressed mood
- Difficulty concentrating
Gastrointestinal
- Constipation (61%)
Dermatologic
- Dry or coarse skin (97%)
- Decreased sweating (89%)
- Hair Loss (especially outer third of eyebrows)
- Broken nails
Gynecologic
- Amenorrhea or Menorrhagia
- Infertility
Summary
Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by low thyroid function. Since the thyroid serves so many functions throughout the body, diminished thyroid function will present with a variety of signs and symptoms. Treatment varies from person to person.
Interested in learning more?
Read on in our series of articles on Thyroid Health!
References
About the Author - Dr. Johann de Chickera
Dr. Johann is a fully licensed Naturopathic Doctor. His approach emphasizes the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and improving one’s health naturally. Dr. Johann obtained a Doctor of Naturopathy at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Education at CCNM is a vigorous four years, with a curriculum involving biomedical sciences, physical diagnosis, clinical nutrition, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, botanical (herbal) medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle management.
While Dr. Johann has a general practice, he focuses on fertility, hormonal imbalances, gut health, and autoimmune disease.
To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.