What is Thyroid Disorder Hypothyroidism?
Thyroid Disorder Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder. It occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck is not active and stops producing enough thyroid hormones. They are important for regulating metabolism and keeping high energy levels. When the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, it slows down the various bodily functions. This disorder affects millions of people worldwide, causing them fatigue, weight gain, and other health issues.
Understanding hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment:
What does hypothyroidism do to a person?
These are some of the most common hypothyroidism symptoms a person can go through while suffering from thyroid disorder hypothyroidism.
1. Fatigue
One of the most significant hypothyroidism symptoms is fatigue. Even after taking rest for the whole night, people with hypothyroidism feel tired or sluggish the entire day.
2. Weight Gain
A sudden increase in weight is another important symptom of this disorder. As the metabolism of your body slows down, the calorie-burning process in your body happens at a slower rate. This leads to weight gain, which in turn also reduces your energy levels.
3. Cold Intolerance
Another hypothyroidism symptom is cold intolerance where you will start feeling cold unusually. Because of slower metabolism, the body starts producing less heat, which creates an increased sensitivity towards cold temperatures.
4. Dry Skin and Hair
Due to reduced hormone production, Thyroid Disorder Hypothyroidism affects the health, skin, and hair of a person. People suffering from this often have dry, flaky skin and brittle hair.
5. Constipation
Slower metabolism impacts digestion, which leads to constipation, which is one of the most common hypothyroidism symptoms.
6. Depression and Mood Swings
People suffering from hypothyroidism frequently suffer from depression and have mood swings. The lack of thyroid hormones can affect your brain function, which makes one feel sad or irritated.
7. Slow Heart Rate
The thyroid hormones regulate heart functioning, a nonactive thyroid can lead to a slower heart rate that can cause fatigue or shortness of breath
8. Muscle Weakness
People with Thyroid Disorder Hypothyroidism may notice weakness or stiffness in their muscles, especially in the legs and arms.
9. Heavy or Irregular Periods
Women suffering from hypothyroidism often have heavier or more prolonged menstrual cycles. This can lead to fertility issues.
10. Memory Problems
You’ll have difficulty concentrating and memory problems are common hypothyroidism symptoms. They are often referred to as ‘brain fog’, this can make the daily tasks harder to manage.
What are the worst symptoms of hypothyroidism?
In the above section, we saw the common hypothyroidism such as fatigue, depression, mood disorders, and many more. The symptoms can become more severe if medication and consultation are not taken at early stages.
Severe Fatigue: Heavy tiredness can affect daily activities and productivity.
Depression and Mood Disorders: Increased feelings of sadness, hopelessness and can further lead to anxiety.
Cognitive Decline: There can be significant memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slow thinking.
Cold Intolerance: One can become extremely sensitive toward cold temperatures. This leads to discomfort and one might start requiring extra clothing.
Muscle Weakness and Pain: One might suffer from weakness in muscles, especially in arms, legs, and joint pains.
High Cholesterol Levels: If the cholesterol level increases, then the risk of heart disease will increase.
Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland leads to swelling in the neck and it can cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing.
Severe Constipation: Chronic constipation is one of the severe hypothyroidism symptoms that can affect your digestion and overall health.
How do you manage hypothyroidism?
As we saw the symptoms of thyroid disorder hypothyroidism, here are some ways in which you can reduce the disorder or completely eradicate it from your body. We have mentioned some medical treatments or lifestyle adjustments you can make.
1. Medication: Thyroid Hormone Replacement is a synthetic thyroid hormone that helps to restore hormone levels.
2. Regular Monitoring: Take regular check-ups and blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels (TSH and T4). This will help you to understand the proper dosage and management you require.
3. Healthy Diet: Have a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Avoid consuming foods such as soy products, meat, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. Make sure to have adequate iodine intake, but consult a doctor as excessive iodine can worsen hypothyroidism.
4. Exercise: Practice regular physical activities like yoga, aerobics, and workouts that will boost your energy. This will support your mental and overall health.
5. Manage Stress: Try to manage stress by practicing yoga or doing deep breathing exercises. This can create an impact on thyroid function.
8. Supplements: Before taking any supplements, talk to your doctor, as taking the wrong supplements can create other issues.
9. Sleep Hygiene: Focus on obtaining 7-9 hours of sleep every day to avoid fatigue and anxiety.
If you practice all these strategies, you can cure thyroid disorder hypothyroidism from your body and maintain a good quality of life.
