Hypothyroidism is usually difficult to detect because the symptoms that occur are relatively nonspecific. In addition, only minor symptoms are noticeable at the beginning – which is why the dysfunction is often detected late. What are the signs of hypothyroidism and how is it diagnosed and treated? You can find out about this and more here.
Typical symptoms of hypothyroidism
Initial symptoms that may occur with hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue
- An increased need for sleep
- Listlessness
- Depressive moods
- Concentration disorders
- Slowed reflexes
- Cold sensation
In addition, weight gain may occur despite loss of appetite, an increase in blood lipids, muscle weakness, a rough voice and hair loss and brittle nails. A goiter, on the other hand, rarely occurs. Hypothyroidism is particularly difficult to detect in older people. In them, there are usually only isolated symptoms, which are also often attributed to the advanced age of the patient. These symptoms include, for example, a decline in physical and mental performance.
Hypothyroidism in children
Children suffering from hypothyroidism are often notable for slowed physical and mental development. In infants, the disorder may be noticeable by weakness in muscles and drinking. In older children, growth is often impaired. In addition, the children are often overweight. It is also typical that puberty has a delayed onset.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
If there is a suspicion of hypothyroidism, the doctor will usually perform a blood test as a first measure. In this way, he can determine the concentration of the hormone TSH. If there is a disorder of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, the TSH value is lowered. If, on the other hand, the thyroid tissue is no longer working properly, the value is elevated. In addition to the TSH value, the concentration of thyroid hormones can also be determined by the blood test. These are at the lower limit of the normal range or below in the case of hypothyroidism. If certain antibodies are detected in the blood, this indicates Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In addition to blood tests, imaging techniques such as ultrasound and scintigraphy can also provide important information. If there is inflammation of the thyroid gland, the organ appears relatively dark on ultrasound. In a scintigraphy, the patient is injected with a radioactive substance into the vein. This is not absorbed by the thyroid gland, or only to a small extent, in the case of hypothyroidism.
Proper treatment of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is usually not curable and must be treated with medication for life. If the medications are well adjusted, a normal life is possible for those affected. Life expectancy is also not reduced by hypothyroidism. The aim of treatment is to correct the hormone deficiency that has occurred. Therefore, the missing thyroid hormones are supplied to the body via tablets containing synthetically produced thyroxine. If an iodine deficiency is the cause of the disorder, iodine tablets can also be prescribed. As a rule, affected patients are initially given a low dose of thyroxine. This is slowly increased in conjunction with regular blood tests until a sufficient dose is determined. This procedure is important because thyroxine preparations in too high a dose can lead to side effects such as cardiac arrhythmias. Regular checkups are also necessary during the further course of treatment.
Myxedema coma is rather rare
If hypothyroidism is not recognized or is not properly treated over a long period of time, myxedema coma can occur in rare cases. However, such a coma can also be triggered by infections or surgery. Typically, symptoms such as low blood pressure, decreased body temperature, slowed breathing, and weakness or motionlessness occur. Such a condition requires immediate intensive medical care.
Hypothyroidism in pregnancy
During pregnancy, even mild hypothyroidism may be enough to cause miscarriage or premature birth.If it is already known before pregnancy that such an underactive condition exists, the thyroid gland must therefore be examined regularly during pregnancy. The dosage of the medication may also have to be increased slightly. If an underactive thyroid is suspected in a previously healthy woman, the concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood should be determined immediately. In the case of women who themselves or their close relatives have already suffered from thyroid disease, it is best to carry out such an examination before pregnancy. If hypothyroidism is indeed present, it can be treated by administering hormones. If these are correctly dosed, the treatment has no side effects.
Hypothyroidism in the desire to have children
If a desire to have children remains unfulfilled for a long period of time, hypothyroidism should also be considered as a cause. This is because when the body notices that the concentration of thyroid hormones in the body is too low, the hypothalamus releases more of the hormone TRH. This stimulates the activity of the thyroid gland. At the same time, however, the release of the hormone prolactin is also stimulated. Increased prolactin levels can disrupt the maturation of eggs or suppress ovulation.
Preventing hypothyroidism
As a rule, it is not possible to actively prevent hypothyroidism. The only exception is if the hypothyroidism is triggered by an iodine deficiency. Therefore, always make sure that your iodine intake is sufficiently high. This applies in particular to pregnant women and nursing mothers, as they have an increased iodine requirement. It may also be advisable for them to take additional iodine tablets. Larger amounts of iodine are found in the following foods, among others:
- Sea fish and mussels
- Dairy products such as butter and yogurt
- Eggs
- Kiwi
- Spinach
- Beef
- Black tea
In addition, it is recommended to use iodized table salt to prevent thyroid dysfunction.
