Before we begin: Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet your body’s needs. Hypothyroidism is more common in women.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about hypothyroidism. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs.
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck. It makes hormones that control the way the body uses energy. These hormones affect nearly every organ in your body and control many of your body’s most important functions. For example, they affect your breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and moods. Without enough thyroid hormones, many of your body’s functions slow down. But there are treatments that can help.
What causes hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism has several causes. They include:
Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid. This is the most common cause.
Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid
Congenital hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism that is present at birth
Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid
Radiation treatment of the thyroid
Certain medicines
In rare cases, a pituitary disease or too much or too little iodine in your diet
Who is at risk for hypothyroidism? You are at higher risk for hypothyroidism if you:
Are a woman
Are older than age 60
Have had a thyroid problem before, such as a goiter
Have had surgery to correct a thyroid problem
Have received radiation treatment to the thyroid, neck, or chest
Have a family history of thyroid disease
Were pregnant or had a baby in the past 6 months
Have Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects females
Have pernicious anemia, in which the body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells because it does not have enough vitamin B12
Have Sjogren’s syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth
Have type 1 diabetes
Have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints
Have lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism? The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary from person to person and may include:
Fatigue
Weight gain
A puffy face
Trouble tolerating cold
Joint and muscle pain
Constipation
Dry skin
Dry, thinning hair
Decreased sweating
Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
Fertility problems in women
Depression
Slowed heart rate
Goiter, an enlarged thyroid that may cause your neck to look swollen. Sometimes it can cause trouble with breathing or swallowing.
Because hypothyroidism develops slowly, many people don’t notice symptoms of the disease for months or even years.
What other problems can hypothyroidism cause? Hypothyroidism can contribute to high cholesterol. In rare cases, untreated hypothyroidism can cause myxedema coma. This is a condition in which your body’s functions slow down to the point that it becomes life-threatening.
During pregnancy, hypothyroidism can cause complications, such as premature birth, high blood pressure in pregnancy, and miscarriage. It can also slow the baby’s growth and development.
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to make a diagnosis:
A medical history, including asking about your symptoms
A physical exam
Thyroid tests, such as
TSH, T3, T4, and thyroid antibody blood tests
Imaging tests, such as a thyroid scan, ultrasound, or radioactive iodine uptake test. A radioactive iodine uptake test measures how much radioactive iodine your thyroid takes up from your blood after you swallow a small amount of it.
What are the treatments for hypothyroidism? The treatment for hypothyroidism is medicine to replace the hormone that your own thyroid can no longer make. About 6 to 8 weeks after you start taking the medicine, you will get a blood test to check your thyroid hormone level. Your health care provider will adjust your dose if needed. Each time your dose is adjusted, you’ll have another blood test. Once you find the right dose, you will probably get a blood test in 6 months. After that, you will need the test once a year.
If you take your medicine according to the instructions, you usually should be able to control the hypothyroidism. You should never stop taking your medicine without talking with your health care provider first.
If you have Hashimoto’s disease or other types of autoimmune thyroid disorders, you may be sensitive to harmful side effects from iodine. Talk to your health care provider about which foods, supplements, and medicines you need to avoid.
Women need more iodine when they are pregnant because the baby gets iodine from the mother’s diet. If you are pregnant, talk with your health care provider about how much iodine you need.
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Also known as: Underactive thyroid.
Related topics: Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s Disease, Underactive Thyroid.
Categories: Endocrine System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding hypothyroidism is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.