What Is Hypothyroidism?
Primary Hypothyroidism, or under active thyroid gland, may cause a wide variety of symptoms and can affect all bodily functions. The body’s normal rate of functioning slows, causing mental and physical sluggishness.
The symptoms may vary from mild to severe, with the most severe form called myxedema, which is a medical emergency. The secretion of T3 and T4 is controlled by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus.
Thyroid disorders may result not only from defects in the thyroid gland itself, but also from abnormalities of the pituitary or hypothalamus.
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
The most common cause of Hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a disease of the thyroid gland where the body’s immune system attacks the gland. The thyroid is gradually destroyed, Hypothyroidism develops.
Failure of the pituitary gland to secrete a hormone to stimulate the thyroid gland (secondary Hypothyroidism) is a less common cause of Hypothyroidism. Other causes include congenital defects, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, irradiation of the gland, or inflammatory conditions.
Subacute painless Thyroiditis and subacute painful Thyroiditis can both cause transient Hypothyroidism. The Hypothyroidism is transient because the thyroid is not destroyed.
Hypothyroidism can develop from complete lack of thyroid hormone production because of radioactive iodine or surgical removal of the thyroid gland, both of which are used to treat Hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer.
Some causes of Hypothyroidism include some inherited disorders in which an abnormality of the enzymes in thyroid cells prevents the gland from making or secreting enough thyroid hormones. In other rare disorders, either the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland fails to secrete enough thyroid-stimulating hormone, which is necessary for normal stimulation of the thyroid.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Insufficient thyroid hormone causes body functions to slow. Symptoms are subtle and develop gradually. They may be mistaken for depression, especially among older people. Facial expressions become dull, the voice is hoarse and speech is slow, eyelids droop, and the eyes and face become puffy.
Many people with Hypothyroidism gain weight, become constipated, and are unable to tolerate cold. The hair becomes sparse, coarse, and dry, and the skin becomes coarse, dry, scaly, and thick. Some people develop carpal tunnel syndrome, which makes the hands tingle or hurt.
Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism
A physical examination reveals delayed relaxation of muscles during tests of reflexes. Pale, yellow skin; loss of the outer edge of the eyebrows; thin and brittle hair; coarse facial features; brittle nails; firm swelling of the arms and legs; and mental dullness may be present. Vital signs may reveal slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and low body temperature.
- A chest X-ray may reveal an enlarged heart.
Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include:
Additional laboratory abnormalities may include:
Usually Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with one simple blood test: the measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Many experts suggest that the test be performed at least every other year in people older than 55, because Hypothyroidism is so common among older people yet so difficult, in its mild stages, for doctors to distinguish from other disorders that affect people in this age group.
In those rare cases of Hypothyroidism caused by inadequate secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, a second blood test is needed to measure the level of the thyroid hormone T4 that is not bound by protein (free). A low level confirms the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism.
A total T4 and/or Free T4, and a Total T3 and/or Free T3 should be run in addition to a TSH. (Many doctors use the T3 uptake test, but it is not a direct test of T3 levels, and can be influenced by other hormones.
The T7 test or Free T4 Index is a calculated test and of little value. Then get the actual value of your blood tests and compare them with the lab reference ranges. The lab reference ranges are very wide, and you might not feel well with low normal results.
Some doctors realize this, and you might be able to talk him/her into a trial of thyroid hormone with low normal lab values. Often, thyroid antibodies tests and TRH stimulation test are abnormal even when blood tests are within reference ranges.
A TRH stimulation test measures one form of secondary Hypothyroidism, originating in the pituitary gland.
Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Treatment involves replacing thyroid hormone using one of several oral preparations. The preferred form of hormone replacement is synthetic T4. Another form, desiccated (dried) thyroid, is obtained from the thyroid glands of animals.
In general, desiccated thyroid is less satisfactory than synthetic T4 because the content of thyroid hormones in the tablets may vary. In emergencies, such as myxedema coma, doctors may give synthetic T4, T3, or both intravenously.
Treatment begins with small doses of thyroid hormone, because too large a dose can cause serious side effects, although large doses may be necessary. The starting dose and the rate of increase are especially small in older people, who are often most at risk of side effects.
The dose is gradually increased until the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the person’s blood return to normal.
Homeopathy
Argentum nitricum is an excellent homeopathic remedy for people who are extremely anxious. They are usually open, outgoing, talkative, and very likeable. They sometimes have so much mental energy pouring out that they find it difficult to not say too much.
They often have a very strong desire for sweets and can have a terrible aggravation after ingesting them. They can have considerable anticipatory anxiety, fears about their health, and often extreme claustrophobia, fear of elevators, bridges, high places, and corners.
Herbs for Hypothyroid
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