Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): Signs and Additional Information

Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism): Signs and Additional Information

In the United States, the most common causes of hypothyroidism are autoimmune disorders and treatment-related factors. According to medical research, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, accounts for approximately 50-70% of hypothyroidism cases [1][3][4].

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes gradual destruction of the thyroid gland, leading to reduced thyroid hormone production. Other causes of hypothyroidism include treatment-related factors such as thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland), radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, and some hyperthyroidism medications [1][3].

Thyroidectomy, often performed for thyroid cancer, nodules, or hyperthyroidism, results in hypothyroidism since the gland is removed or partially removed. About 1 in 7 patients develop hypothyroidism after partial removal, and over 150,000 thyroidectomies occur annually in the U.S [1][3].

RAI therapy, used to treat hyperthyroidism, destroys thyroid tissue, resulting in hypothyroidism. Some hyperthyroidism medications, like Methimazole, can induce hypothyroidism if overused [1].

Thyroiditis, other than Hashimoto’s, refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland from infections or trauma, which can impair thyroid function temporarily or chronically [1]. Drug-induced hypothyroidism can occur from medications such as lithium or amiodarone that interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis [5].

Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when infants are born with an underdeveloped or non-functioning thyroid gland and requires early treatment [5]. Iodine deficiency, while rare in the U.S due to adequate dietary intake, can cause goiter development or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland [2].

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults are fatigue, weight gain, and joint or muscle pain. Other symptoms include cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, thin, brittle hair or fingernails, decreased sweating, pins and needles, heavy periods, weakness, high cholesterol, insomnia, balance and coordination issues, loss of libido, anemia, depression, hoarseness, puffiness in the face, thinned or missing eyebrows, slow heart rate, and hearing loss [3].

Risk factors increasing the likelihood of hypothyroidism include being female (especially older women), age over 60, a personal or family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases, prior radiation therapy to the neck or chest, and certain genetic syndromes like Turner or Down syndrome [5].

During pregnancy, iodine requirements increase, and using iodized salt in the diet and taking prenatal vitamins can maintain the required levels of iodine. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can lead to hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism.

There are no specific diet recommendations for hypothyroidism, but individuals should follow a varied, well-balanced diet that is not high in fat or sodium. Consuming additional iodine can interfere with the balance involved in treatment. Any changes to diet or supplementation should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Certain medications such as amiodarone, interferons, and lithium can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Treatment for hypothyroidism focuses on supplementing the thyroid hormone with synthetic thyroxine (levothyroxine), a medication that is identical to the T4 hormone.

References: [1] UpToDate. (2021). Hypothyroidism: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hypothyroidism-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis [2] American Thyroid Association. (2021). Iodine. Retrieved from https://www.thyroid.org/patients/iodine/ [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hypothyroidism: Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20351408 [4] American Thyroid Association. (2021). Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Retrieved from https://www.thyroid.org/patients/diseases/hashimotos-disease/ [5] American Thyroid Association. (2021). Risk factors for thyroid disease. Retrieved from https://www.thyroid.org/patients/risk-factors/

1. Predictive analyses in medical-health and wellness can help identify individuals at risk for developing autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a leading cause of type-2 diabetes and chronic-kidney-disease.
2. Chronic-diseases such as COPD and sleep apnea can be exacerbated by untreated hypothyroidism, a condition that may also lead to depression, weight-management issues, and hearing problems.
3. In environmental-science, climate-change may cause iodine deficiency in some regions, which could potentially lead to an increase in congenital hypothyroidism and other related medical-conditions.
4. Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing type-2 diabetes, a condition closely linked with hyperthyroidism, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
5. A balanced diet rich in digestive-health promoting foods and low in saturated fats can help manage type-2-diabetes and reduce the risk of associated chronic-diseases such as hearing loss and eye-health issues.
6. Skin-care routines should be awareness-driven, given the potential link between skin-conditions and chronic-kidney-disease, as well as the side effects of certain treatments and therapies like CBD oil.
7. Space-and-astronomy research may provide insights on the impact of low-gravity environments and cosmic radiation on thyroid function, potentially shedding light on hyperthyroidism and sleep disturbances.
8. Fitness-and-exercise, apart from promoting general well-being, can improve symptoms of respiratory-conditions like COPD and boost immune function in individuals with autoimmune-disorders.
9. Medical-research has revealed a connection between certain therapies-and-treatments, like amiodarone or interferons, and their interference with thyroid hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
10. Awareness campaigns focused on mental-health, hearing, and skin-care are essential in ensuring proper disease management, early detection, and appropriate treatments.
11. For individuals with diabetic-retinopathy or macular degeneration due to type-2-diabetes, vitamin A supplementation and regular eye-health check-ups can help reduce the risk of further complications.
12. Health-care professionals must consider chronic-kidney-disease, depression, and skin-conditions when managing a patient's Medicare eligibility and related benefits.
13. In our increasingly connected world, integrative approaches that combine traditional medical-treatments with alternative therapies like meditation or yoga, can help improve mental-health and overall quality of life for people suffering from thyroid disorders, chronic-diseases, and multiple medical-conditions.
14. By addressing the environmental factors contributing to iodine deficiencies and educating healthcare professionals on the risks associated with certain medications, we can strive to reduce the incidence of hypothyroidism and related medical-conditions worldwide.
15. Collaborative efforts between scientists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public are essential to combat climate-change, promote wellness, and improve the outcomes for individuals living with chronic-kidney-disease, depression, diabetes, and other related medical-conditions.

Read also: