Hypothyroidism is a disorder caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormone. This disorder will make the sufferer easily tired and difficult to concentrate.
Hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism is more common in elderly women. Generally, this disease causes non-specific symptoms in the early stages, such as weight gain or fatigue which is considered normal with age. However, as the disease progresses, these symptoms will get worse.
Although rare, hypothyroidism can also affect newborns. This condition is called congenital hypothyroidism. Newborns with congenital hypothyroidism will experience symptoms such as jaundice, large tongue, and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on how low levels of the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. These symptoms include:
- Easily tired and dizzy.
- Constipation or difficulty defecating.
- The muscles feel weak, sore, and stiff.
- More sensitive to cold weather.
- Dry, rough, peeling, and wrinkled skin.
- Weight gain for no apparent reason.
- The face is swollen and the voice is hoarse.
- Hair loss and thin.
- Nails are brittle.
- Easy to forget and difficult to concentrate.
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia).
The symptoms above develop quite slowly, even up to a matter of years. This makes the symptoms of hypothyroidism not immediately noticed.
Although it is more common in older women, hypothyroidism can affect anyone, including newborns (congenital hypothyroidism). Even so, the symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants are slightly different from adults, namely:
- Frequent farting or burping (flatulence).
- Do not want to eat and rarely defecate (constipation).
- Sleep too long.
- Hands and feet feel cold.
- More fussy and hoarse crying voice.
- The tongue is swollen and sticking out.
- Jaundice.
- It's hard to breathe.
- stunted growth, low body weight, and delayed walking.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the symptoms of hypothyroidism mentioned above, to determine the cause. Medical treatment is needed to prevent the worsening of the hypothyroid condition and the emergence of complications.
If you have or are currently undergoing treatment for thyroid disease, have regular checkups as directed by your doctor. Thyroid disease, including hypothyroidism, can be a chronic disease. Therefore, its condition needs to be monitored from time to time.
People who suffer from depression or autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is necessary to have regular check-ups with the doctor so that his condition can be monitored.
Go to the ER immediately if you experience symptoms of hypothyroidism accompanied by swelling of the entire face, difficulty breathing, shock, or seizures. Handling needs to be done immediately because it can be fatal.
If you are pregnant, make regular visits to the obstetrician at least once a month or as directed by the doctor. Provide detailed information about any complaints you feel to help your doctor give the right advice. This is because pregnant women are also at risk of developing hypothyroidism.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located on the front side of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. This gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that help the body use energy, including regulating metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough of this hormone. Hormonal disorders are usually caused by the following:
- Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases, particularly Hashimoto's disease, are the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In this disease, the body produces antibodies that actually attack the thyroid gland, so its function is disrupted.
- Treatment of the thyroid gland
Radiotherapy to the neck area can damage the cells of the thyroid gland, making it difficult for the gland to produce hormones. In addition, thyroid surgery can also be a cause of hypothyroidism.
- Certain drugs
The use of certain types of drugs, such as lithium, amiodarone, and interferon, can cause hyperthyroidism. These drugs are used for mental disorders, heart rhythm disorders, and cancer.
In addition to the three causes above, the following conditions can also cause hypothyroidism, although they are less likely to occur:
- Low iodine diet
Iodine is an essential mineral needed by the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism.
- Congenital defects
Some babies are born with an underdeveloped thyroid gland, even without a thyroid gland. This condition, called congenital hypothyroidism, occurs due to a variety of things, from a pregnant woman's diet low in iodine to genetic factors.
- TSH hormone disorders
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland to assist the thyroid gland in producing and releasing hormones. Disorders of the TSH hormone will affect the production of thyroid hormone. Diseases that can cause low TSH include Sheehan's syndrome and pituitary gland tumors.
There are also a number of conditions that can put a person at higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism, including:
- Female and over 60 years old.
- Have a family member with a history of thyroid disease.
- Are pregnant or have just given birth in the last 6 months.
- Have another autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, or multiple sclerosis.
- Have bipolar disorder, Down syndrome, or Turner syndrome.
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
To diagnose hyperthyroidism, the doctor will ask the patient's complaints, the medications he is currently taking, and the medical procedures the patient has undergone. The doctor will also ask about the history of the patient and his family members.
Furthermore, a physical examination is carried out to observe the condition of the skin, muscle ability, reflexes, to the patient's heart rate. If the patient is suspected of having hypothyroidism, blood tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Blood tests can measure the levels of thyroid hormone and TSH in the body. Low thyroid levels or high levels of TSH in the blood can signal hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
Treatment of hypothyroidism aims to reduce or relieve the symptoms experienced by the patient. This is done by taking oral medication that contains synthetic thyroid hormone, namely levothyroxine.
Most hypothyroidism is chronic, so taking levothyroxine can last a lifetime to keep the disease under control. In undergoing treatment, hypothyroid patients must regularly check with an endocrinologist regularly, because the dose of the drug needs to always be adjusted to the patient's condition.
Patients are also not advised to stop taking the drug suddenly, unless recommended by a doctor. During the treatment period, patients need to have blood tests every 6-12 months to monitor the effect of treatment.
Complications of Hypothyroidism
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to a variety of complications, such as:
- Joint pain
- Obesity
- Mumps
- Infertility or fertility problems
- Nerve damage
- Heart disease
- Myxedema coma
While hypothyroidism that occurs in pregnant women can cause complications such as:
- Anemia
- Preeclampsia
- Miscarriage
- Babies born prematurely or have low birth weight
- Babies born with disabilities
- Babies have impaired physical or mental development.
Prevention of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be prevented by avoiding the causes and risk factors. The trick is to:
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet.
- Eat iodized foods, including iodized salt, seaweed, eggs, shrimp, and dairy products.
- Undergo medication and regular check-ups if you have an autoimmune disease or have had thyroid disease.
- Undergo regular check-ups with a gynecologist during pregnancy.
If you are on treatment for hypothyroidism, avoid taking other medications or supplements without telling your doctor because they can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. In addition, avoid consumption of soybeans close to the time of taking medication, because it can inhibit the absorption of thyroid hormones. However, this is still being researched.