General Information About Hypothyroidism
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition where thyroid hormones, which regulate the body's energy balance, temperature, and heart rhythm, cannot be synthesized sufficiently, causing all bodily functions to slow down.
The most common cause worldwide is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the immune system destroys the thyroid gland. Additionally, surgical removal of the thyroid gland, receiving radioactive iodine treatment, and inadequate iodine consumption also make the thyroid gland sluggish.
Due to the slowing of the metabolism; persistent fatigue, feeling unrefreshed no matter how much one sleeps, weight gain despite dieting, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, a feeling of coldness, and depression.
A baby depends on the mother's hormones until it develops its own thyroid gland in the womb. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to miscarriages, premature birth, and irreversible intellectual disability in the baby during pregnancy.
It is diagnosed with a very simple blood test. A higher-than-normal level of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and a low level of free T4 hormone in the blood indicate that the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism).
Its treatment is one of the easiest and most successful processes in modern medicine. The hormone that the thyroid gland cannot produce is given to the body in synthetic form (Levothyroxine) via a small pill taken on an empty stomach in the morning. When the dose is adjusted correctly, the patient is relieved of all symptoms and leads a completely normal life.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
