Definition
Hypothyroidism is characterized by a deficiency of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3). This deficiency leads to a slowing down of the metabolism with loss of performance and fatigue. Medically, the hypofunction of the thyroid gland, or the lack of thyroid hormones, is called hypothyroidism. There are many causes of hypothyroidism, typically autoimmune diseases in young women, which are accompanied by a decline in thyroid tissue (e.g. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Depending on whether the body can still compensate for the hormone deficiency or how many hormones are missing, the clinical picture and thus the symptoms of an underactive thyroid vary. Symptoms of acquired hypothyroidism: The symptoms of acquired hypothyroidism usually develop slowly: this can all be explained by the reduced metabolism. Also: Symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism: At birth, no symptoms of hypothyroidism initially occur because the child is still supplied with hormones via the mother’s blood.
As maternal hormones are reduced, symptoms such as an enlarged tongue, laziness in drinking, constipation and prolonged neonatal jaundice become apparent. The babies are very sleepy and have slack muscles. If the disease is not recognized, further symptoms in the form of reduced height and low intelligence occur. The children develop speech disorders, muscle weakness, attention deficit disorder and squint more often.
- Reduced performance, both physically and mentally
- Drive arm
- Persistent fatigue
- Slowdown
- Loss of appetite
- Depression and disinterest
- Sensitivity to cold
- Weight gain
- Blockages
- Dry, scaly skin
- Brittle hair
- Hoarse voice
- Decreased heart rate (bradycardia)
- Enlarged heart
- Cycle disorders in women
- Erection problems in men
- Infertility
Symptoms of the digestive tract
In many patients with a pronounced hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism), continuous weight gain occurs without a change in dietary habits. This is due to the fact that the lowered concentrations of thyroid hormones (T3/T4) in the blood result in a reduced energy metabolism in the human body. The thyroid hormones influence the oxygen consumption in the cells and regulate various metabolic processes.
As a result of the reduced levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, the various metabolic pathways are slowed down and less carbohydrates and fats are broken down. The additional food components that are produced in normal eating habits are therefore not broken down and accumulate in the tissue. In addition, the blood fat values (especially cholesterol) can also increase.
Weight gain varies from patient to patient. Among other things, it depends on the respective eating habits and sporting activities. Younger patients in particular usually show stronger symptoms.
Often, weight gain is not attributed to hypothyroidism. Even at the beginning of a therapy, weight can still increase slightly until the correct individual dosage is found. Among other things, an underactive thyroid leads to a sluggish gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, nausea can also occur in this context. The nausea can be more or less pronounced and is usually not related to food intake. Thus the nausea also occurs between meals.
It is often accompanied by constipation and a feeling of fullness and in severe cases vomiting. In some patients this nausea also occurs in combination with dizziness. In most cases, nausea is not the primary cause of hypothyroidism, but it can also create a significant level of suffering.
The occurrence of diarrhea in the context of hypothyroidism is rather rare. Typically, diarrhea, which can be severe in some cases, occurs in the case of hyperthyroidism. In the ggeen part, an underfunction of the thyroid gland often leads to severe constipation. In addition, patients may experience severe flatulence, abdominal pain and nausea.Occasionally, patients report that severe constipation also occurs in alternation with short-lasting diarrhea (so-called paradoxical diarrhea). Information on the topic of constipation can be found under Constipation – What can be done about it?