Hypothyroid Effects
By: LizzyTotal Views: 352, Word Count: 509,
The deficiency in the production of the thyroid hormone results Hypothyroidism. It is a primary disease caused due to the lack of stimulation of the thyroid gland by the pituitary gland via TSH, the thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Our thyroid gland is located below the larynx, our voice box in the front of the neck. The function of this gland is to maintain a healthy metabolic rate in the body by producing and releasing iodine-containing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which help in regulating the body's growth, digestion, body temperature and heartbeat.
Hypothyroidism over time kills a person slowly. Some of its ill-effects are:
Hypertension: Hypothyroidism reduces the pumping capacity of the hearts and also increases the stiffness of blood vessel walls which leads to high blood pressure. Patients with hypothyroidism have a very high risk of hypertension. In case of subclinical hypothyroidism, the blood flow of patients is also affected especially in pregnant women.
Increased level of cholesterol: Hypothyroidism significantly produces high levels of cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and other lipids like fat molecules which are directly associated with heart diseases. In such cases the treatment with thyroid replacement therapy can reduce these levels.
In most people, hypothyroidism is left undiagnosed or is diagnosed very late which delays the treatment time resulting in sever conditions like cretinism and myxedema coma.
Cretinism: It is caused due to a decreased production of T4 hormone. It also results in mental retardation, stunted growth and coarse facial features. Symptoms of this problem are constant drooling, a swayback, a potbelly, short stature, and irregularly placed and poorly formed teeth.
Myxedema coma: This usually develops slowly and is caused by sedatives, narcotics, exposure to cold, an accident, injury, surgery or illness. Its symptoms include stupor, abnormally slow and shallow breathing, low levels of sodium and sugar in the blood, low blood pressure and a reduced body temperature. It is an emergency situation and requires prompt medical treatment with hormone injections, hydrocortisone, fluid replacement, and antibiotics for infection.
It not only affects a person physically but gives a mental pressure too. Some of the mental symptoms are:
- Depression
- Forgetfulness
- Mental inactiveness
- Decrease in ability to pay attention
- Slow thought and speech
- Irritability
- Dementia
- Increased sleepiness
- Hallucinations and Paranoid delusions
Most thyroid hormones, notably triiodothyronine (T3), directly or indirectly affect the heart. These are very closely linked with the heart rate and its output.
To minimize the after effects of Hypothyroidism or any other thyroid diseases, it is advised to consult you doctor for ensured 100% treatment. Some natural treatments are also available that might not cure the problem in one go but will definitely give positive results. Natural or herbal treatments do take time but they do not have any side effects and heal the diseases gently from deep inside.
About the Author
Lizzy, a well known health adviser in her area, has researched over almost all the thyroid diseases and so can give assured tips for treating these problems from their root cause. One of the treatments that she supports is Thyromine. Click here to view some more information about this product.
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