Underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a very common condition in which the body does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone. According to the American Thyroid Association, it is estimated that up to 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of those cases may be undiagnosed.
Women are five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism than men, and the prevalence increases with age. It is most common in people over the age of 60, but it can occur at any age.
Hypothyroidism can be caused by many things such as certain medications,Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, and radiation therapy. If not treated, it can lead to weight gain, constipation, dry skin, poor growth, and fatigue.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important to restoring normal thyroid levels and symptoms.
What is the main cause of underactive thyroid?
The primary cause of underactive thyroid is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own thyroid, causing it to produce less of the necessary hormones.
Other less common causes of underactive thyroid include iodine deficiency, radiation treatment, certain medications, pregnancy, and genetic predisposition. In severe cases, problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus can also be a factor.
With that said, the most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where your body is essentially “attacking itself”. If left untreated, an underactive thyroid can lead to a wide range of health problems and can even be life threatening.
Therefore, it’s important to seek medical care if you are experiencing any of the common signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
What happens to your body when you have an underactive thyroid?
An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough essential thyroid hormones needed to regulate multiple body functions. This condition can lead to some serious health consequences and cause a wide range of symptoms.
When the thyroid is underactive, it can lead to numerous physical changes in your body including:
• Weight gain: An underactive thyroid can cause weight gain since the hormones it produces play an important role in both metabolism and energy levels.
• Fatigue: An underactive thyroid can cause fatigue due to a lack of energy, even after adequate sleep.
• Cold Sensitivity: As the thyroid hormones are connected to body temperature, hypothyroidism can lower body temperature and lead to cold intolerance and sensitivity to cold temperatures.
• Skin and Hair Changes: An underactive thyroid can lead to dry, coarse and brittle hair, as well as dry, rough, thick and pale skin.
• Mental Health: An underactive thyroid can cause disruptions in mental health such as increased irritability, difficulty in concentrating, and depression.
• Joint/Muscle Stiffness and Muscle Weakness: An underactive thyroid can cause joint and muscle pain, as well as joint and muscle stiffness. Furthermore, it can cause muscle weakness and a feeling of weakness throughout the entire body.
If left untreated, an underactive thyroid can lead to a number of more severe consequences including heart problems, decreased fertility, and an increased risk of miscarriage. It is important to consult a doctor if you suspect you may have hypothyroidism, in order to receive the necessary treatment plan and avoid any potential further health complications.
What are the 2 most common causes of hypothyroidism?
The two most common causes of hypothyroidism are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and iodine deficiency. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland which causes inflammation and prevents it from producing sufficient amounts of hormones.
In iodine deficiency, the body does not receive enough iodine to produce the thyroid hormones and results in inadequate production. Other causes of hypothyroidism include pituitary gland failure, certain medications, surgery to remove the thyroid gland, radiation treatment, and inherited conditions.
What is the root cause of thyroid problems?
The root cause of thyroid problems is not always clear, and there are a variety of potential contributing factors. One of the main potential root causes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.
Other potential causes include radiation exposure, certain medications, iodine deficiencies, certain viruses, and certain genetic disorders. In some cases, the true root cause cannot be identified.
How can I boost my thyroid naturally?
There are a variety of natural ways to boost your thyroid function. These include:
1. Eat a diet rich in nutrients necessary for proper thyroid function. Eating plenty of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can provide your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs to properly support your thyroid.
Eating foods such as sea vegetables, oysters, and lean cuts of red meat are also beneficial since they contain high amounts of iodine, selenium, and B vitamins, which are essential for healthy thyroid function.
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise has been shown to help boost thyroid function by increasing the metabolic activity in your body, as well as providing numerous other health benefits. If you’re able to, try to make time for 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 5 days a week.
3. Minimize stress. Excess stress can affect your thyroid in a number of ways, so it’s important for you to take steps to manage your stress levels and stay as relaxed as possible. Exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply spending time with loved ones are all great ways to help reduce your stress levels.
4. Get adequate sleep. Make sure to prioritize your sleep, getting at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night. Studies have found that people with poor sleep are more likely to experience problems with their thyroid.
5. Avoid processed and junk foods. Eating lots of processed and salty foods can lead to an imbalance in your hormones which can affect the functioning of your thyroid. Try to minimize these foods and focus on fresh, whole foods with plenty of nutritional value.
Finally, consult with your doctor if you’re having problems related to your thyroid, as natural remedies may not be as powerful as prescribed medications and supplements.
What happens if low thyroid goes untreated?
If low thyroid goes untreated, it can cause a variety of issues and health problems. Over time, an untreated thyroid hormone deficiency can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate many of its functions, such as your metabolism, temperature, mood, energy levels, digestion, and more.
It can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain or the inability to lose weight, digestive problems, dry skin, hair loss, difficulty concentrating, and an increased sensitivity to cold. It can also disrupt normal hormone production, leading to infertility, menstrual irregularities, and other issues.
Left untreated, it can eventually lead to heart disease, anemia, and even an enlarged heart. Therefore, it is important to get checked and treated as soon as possible if you suspect you have a thyroid problem.
How do I know if my underactive thyroid is getting worse?
If you suspect that your underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is getting worse, it is important to speak to your doctor. Symptoms that may indicate that your condition is worsening have to do with the four primary functions of the thyroid gland: metabolism, energy levels, hormone balance, and mental/emotional health.
Metabolism: If you are having difficulty losing weight or are gaining weight for no obvious reason, you may have a worsening hypothyroidism. You may also experience cold or heat intolerance, difficulty perspiring when overheated, or facial puffiness.
Energy Levels: If you are feeling more fatigued and have less motivation or difficulty concentrating and staying focused, these may be signs your hypothyroidism is worsening.
Hormone Balance: Symptoms such as missed or heavy periods, fertility issues, dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss can also be signs of a worsening underactive thyroid.
Mental/Emotional Health: If you’re feeling low, anxious, or having difficulty sleeping, your thyroid may be to blame and needs to be addressed.
It is important to discuss any of these symptoms with your doctor and have them tested to determine the underlying cause. If a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made, your doctor can recommend medication and lifestyle changes to manage your condition.
What foods should thyroid patients avoid?
Thyroid patients should avoid processed foods, especially those that contain a lot of sugar, trans fats, and salt, as they can interfere with thyroid function and disrupt hormones. Additionally, some foods can interact with the body’s thyroid medications and thus should be avoided, such as cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, combinations, etc.
), soy products, and certain grains and nuts.
It is also important for thyroid patients to maintain a balanced diet, so avoiding all sugary foods and beverages, fast food, saturated fats, and alcohol is recommended. High-fiber food items should be included in the diet, as these can aid in managing thyroid function.
These foods include fresh produce, such as beans, peas, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. Seafood, lean meat, dairy, and egg products can also provide essential nutrients for those with thyroid issues.
Additionally, some research suggests that including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet (such as omega-3 fatty acid supplements or omega-3 rich foods, like flaxseed, walnuts, and chia seeds) may help reduce symptoms of hypothyroidism.
At what level should underactive thyroid be treated?
The appropriate treatment level for an underactive thyroid depends on several factors, including the person’s age and condition. In general, the goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid hormone to the normal and healthy level of the individual.
Generally, this is done by prescribing synthetic thyroid hormone, typically levothyroxine. The usual starting dosage is determined by the severity of the person’s symptoms, laboratory tests, and physical examination.
The initial dose may need to be adjusted in the future, based on the individual’s response to treatment and laboratory test results. In some cases, natural (animal-derived) thyroid hormone, such as Armour Thyroid, may be used.
The dosage for this type of treatment may be determined differently than levothyroxine. Finally, lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and eating a healthy diet, may also help in managing an underactive thyroid.
Can you go from underactive thyroid to over active?
Yes, it is possible to go from an underactive thyroid to an overactive thyroid. This is known as “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis,” which is an autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
When the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, the thyroid becomes underactive and can no longer produce enough hormones. This can lead to an overactive thyroid if the autoimmune response progresses and the body begins to overcompensate, producing too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism).
If left untreated, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can cause serious health complications, such as goiter, heart problems, anxiety, and infertility. Therefore, it is important to get tested for thyroid problems and seek medical treatment if any abnormal signs or symptoms are present.
Which one is worse hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?
It is difficult to definitively determine which one is worse since both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause serious health issues. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, which can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and even depression.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too many hormones, causing weight loss, rapid heart rate, anxiety, and even bulging eyes. Both conditions can lead to serious complications if untreated, including heart failure, kidney disease, and osteoporosis.
Ultimately, a patient should consult with their doctor and work with them to determine the best course of treatment for their particular condition.
At what age do thyroid problems start?
Thyroid problems can arise at any age, though they are most commonly seen in adults over 40. Hypothyroidism, or thyroid dysfunction, is the most common form of thyroid problem and occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to meet the body’s needs.
It is often seen in older adults, afflicting up to 10% of the population over 60. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is another form of thyroid problem and is seen primarily in adults in their 20s or 30s.
It occurs when the thyroid produces too much of its hormones. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause a wide range of symptoms, from weight fluctuations to hair loss to fatigue and difficulty sleeping.
If left untreated, they can lead to more serious issues, such as heart and bone problems. It is important to get regular check-ups after the age of 40 in order to screen for thyroid problems.
Do thyroid issues come on suddenly?
No, thyroid issues typically do not come on suddenly. Thyroid issues are typically caused by autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and can take years to develop. Symptoms of a thyroid issue may come on suddenly, but these symptoms can often be related to other health issues.
If you suspect you may have a thyroid issue, it is important to talk to your doctor for a full evaluation. They will likely order a thyroid hormone lab test to check for any irregularities. They may also order imaging tests to examine your thyroid, lymph nodes, and other areas of your neck.
Thyroid issues can range from mild and easily managed to complicated and severe, so it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible if you suspect a thyroid issue.
