Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism affects about 1 in 10 women (10%) and 1 in 31 men (3.2%). 2% of women and 0.2% of men suffer from overt hypothyroidism whilst 8% of women and 3% of men is afflicted with a sub-clinical condition. Women are much more likely to develop the condition, with a female to male ratio of 8:1. The frequency increases steadily with age so that older people are more likely to be afflicted.
Symptoms |
Hypothyroidism has an insidious onset with general, non-specific symptoms developing gradually. Physically symptoms can on occasion worsen in the spring and autumn and improve during the summer and winter months.
Constitutional
- Chronic fatigue, ppersistent unexplained fatigue
- Morning fatigue
- Fatigue relieved by exercise
- Daytime sleepiness
- Malaise
- Low body temperature
- Decreased sweating
- Cold intolerance (feeling cold at normal temperature)
- Deep hoarse voice
Mental Symptoms and Characteristics
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive impairment (poor memory, concentration and thought processing)
- Low stress tolerance
- Hypersmonia or Iinsomnia
Dermatological
- Dry or scaly skin with cracks, particularly on hands and feet
- Alopecia (hair loss), particularly evident in loss of hair of the lateral third of the eyebrow
- Skin wounds that heal slowly due to poor skin growth
- Easy bruising due to increased capillary fragility
- Fluid retention resulting in a puffy face, ankles and wrists due to swelling
- Urticaria (hives)
Musculoskeletal
- Poor muscle tone resulting in muscle weakness and coordination problems
- Joint and muscle pain without inflammation / swelling,
- Muscle stiffness
- Hyperkinesis (muscle spasms)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Neurological
- Decreased taste and smell
- Tinnitus (a ringing, buzzing or humming in the ears)
- Decreased hearing
- Frontal headaches
- Headaches upon rising that wear off during the day
- Migraines
- Dizziness
- Reduced visual acuity
- Paraesthesia (numbness, tingling or burning sensations)
Cardiovascular
- Bradycardia (slow pulse)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Cold hands and feet due to poor circulation
- Hypoproteinanemia ( abnormally small levels of protein in the blood)
- Increased tendency to coronary heart disease
- Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
Immune & lymphatic
- Lowered resistance to infection
- Frequent, chronic and prolonged infections
Digestive
- Decreased appetite with unintentional weight gain
- Heartburn, bloating and constipation,
- Difficulty swallowing (due to a sluggish gag reflex)
Female Reproductive System
- Initially menorrhagia (abnormally heavy or extended periods), with later oligomenorrhea (menstrual cycle longer than 35 days, irregular periods with unpredictable flow) and amenorrhea (absent periods)
- Miscarriages
- Impaired fertility
- Loss of libido
- Breast swelling or tenderness
Medical Diagnosis And Treatment |
Medical Diagnosis
Hypothyroidism is usually diagnosed with a positive blood test demonstrating abnormal levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4). Primary hypothyroidism is indicated by a raised TSH but lowered T3 and T4 levels. Secondary hypothyroidism is indicated by lowered levels of TSH, T3 and T4. Thyroid Hormone Resistance in patients with an autoimmune thyroid disorder is characterised by raised or normal TSH, accompanied by raised T3 and T4 and characteristic symptoms of hypothyroidism. Elevated TSH levels with normal T3 and T4 levels indicate that the thyroid gland is under pressure and this may or may not lead to the development of hypothyroidism. Regular repeat blood tests are usually ordered to see if hypothyroidism eventually develops.
Medical Treatment
Hypothyroidism is usually treated with daily thyroxine supplementation (usually in tablet form). Treatment is usually lifelong, unless the condition clears up naturally, a scenario prevalent in older children and women suffering from post-natal hypothyroidism.
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