Hypothyroidism does not simply relate to a single number of disorders; rather, it is a condition with multiple potential causes and, if untreated, can lead to numerous complications affecting various bodily systems.
Hypothyroidism can also develop later in childhood or adolescence and is commonly caused by Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder where immune cells mistakenly attack the thyroid, causing damage to the gland.
“The words are used synonymously, as if they're the exact same thing.” The catch is that they're not. Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism often occur together, but they're technically two different health issues.
Hypothyroidism can cause mood swings, where individuals may experience sudden shifts from feeling very low to irritable or angry. These mood fluctuations are often compounded by the physical symptoms of thyroid imbalance, such as weight gain, which can further affect self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Thyroid hormones are essential for brain function. Low or high levels can lead to issues like anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating and mood swings. Many people don't realize that what feels like a mental health issue could be thyroid related.
Hypothyroidism can cause notable voice changes, such as low voice, roughness, reduced range, and vocal fatigue [7]. Dysphonia can be caused by excessive thyroid hormone production or hyperthyroidism. The most commonly occurring change is the reduction of the fundamental frequency (F0) of the voice.
You can get a 100% disability rating if your hypothyroidism comes with myxedema, a severe and life-threatening form of the disease. To qualify, you need to have symptoms like: Cold intolerance – Always feeling freezing, even when others are comfortable. Muscle weakness – Struggling to move, lift, or function normally.
Conditions with Similar Symptoms as: Hypothyroidism
Can hypothyroidism be cured? Currently, there's no cure for hypothyroidism. But you can successfully manage the condition with hormone replacement therapy.
True or false: hypothyroidism causes premature aging
With proper treatment, your thyroid hormone function will return to normal, thus reversing some of your “aging” symptoms over time. With untreated hypothyroidism, you will continue to experience symptoms that can mimic premature aging. And the final answer is: true.
Get Smart About Sleep
You might feel run down, even if you're taking medication. Yet all too often, “people with hypothyroidism don't get enough sleep, or the sleep they're getting isn't good quality,” Hatipoglu says. To ensure your body has a chance to rest and recover: Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night.
A sedentary lifestyle with low physical movement results in people having low thyroxine. Take note that it's the hormone responsible for essential body functions like heart rate and energy levels. The lack of physical activity is unhealthy and puts people at risk of an underactive thyroid.
Association of hypothyroidism and clinical depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. 2021; doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.
Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid. This is the most common cause.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men. Age: Your risk of hypothyroidism increases with age. Existing autoimmune disease: Having an autoimmune condition boosts your risk for hypothyroidism. History of radiation: Radiation exposure to the neck increases your chance for thyroid disease.
Hashimoto thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. Normally, your immune system protects your body by attacking bacteria and viruses. But with this disease, your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake. Your thyroid then can't make enough thyroid hormone, so your body can't work as well.
Those symptoms most commonly related to thyroid deficiency include forgetfulness, fatigue, mental slowness, inattention, and emotional lability. The predominant affective disorder experienced is depression. Perceptual changes may develop with alterations of taste, hearing, and vision.
The thyroid gland needs the mineral iodine to make thyroid hormones. Iodine is found mainly in seafood, seaweed, plants grown in iodine-rich soil and iodized salt. Too little iodine can lead to hypothyroidism. Too much iodine can make hypothyroidism worse in people who already have the condition.
If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) you require treatment for, you are entitled to free prescriptions for all your medicines in England. As it is a long-term condition, you can apply for a medical exemption certificate to claim your free prescriptions.
Here are a few ways to exercise and stay healthy even if you are suffering from hypothyroidism: Low intensity walking: Walking is one of the easiest exercises for beginners. It makes it easy for one to transition from a state of fatigue to an active and fit lifestyle.
Thyroid gland and ear problems are linked to each other. In fact, some thyroid disorders are strongly connected to hearing loss and, in some cases, to the appearance of tinnitus.
Goitre. A goitre is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump to form in the throat. Goitres can develop in people with an underactive thyroid when the body tries to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones.