Underactive Thyroid
By: LizzyTotal Views: 274, Word Count: 479,
Underactive thyroid is another name for hypothyroidism that affects most of the world’s population. Improper functioning of the thyroid gland that fails to produce sufficient amount of hormones (T3 and T4) is the basic reason behind this condition. These two hormones help in regulating the metabolism of the body.
When a person is affected by this disease most of the functions of his body start performing slowly. An underactive thyroid gland reduces the level of thyroxine which is an essential component of the body. This deficiency of thyroxine reduces the energy level leading to the problem of weight gain. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism are tiredness, depression, poor concentration, fluid retention, feeling cold, dry skin loss of sex drive, irregular or heavy menstrual periods in women and severe constipation.
There are some causes that lead to hypothyroidism. Some of them are:
- The most common cause of this problem is the disease called autoimmune thyroiditis. Basically our immune system is supposed to produce antibodies that attack germs, bacteria and other viruses. But when our body is affected by an autoimmune disease, these antibodies works against certain tissues. They get attached to the thyroid gland and unable it to produce enough thyroxine required by the body. This then leads to hypothyroidism.
- Hypothyroidism can be caused by the deficiency of iodine.
- Antibodies or medicines like amiodarone and lithium can cause side effects which leads to the underactivity of the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid inflammation inside the body can also lead to hypothyroidism.
- There is a pituitary gland lying under our brain which is liable to make thyroid stimulating hormones which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. Insufficient functioning of the pituitary gland can also lead to thyroid diseases.
Hypothyroidism often results in an increased risk of developing various health problems as a low thyroxine level raises the cholesterol level to a greater extent.
In cases of pregnant women, there is a high risk of developing some complications like pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, stillbirth, anemia, premature labor and after birth bleeding.
With ensured treatment, the problem can be easily resolved. Surgery or radioactive treatments are suggested in severe cases but mild problems can be treated with either a intake of thyroxine(as prescribed by the doctor) or some other natural healing solutions that give internal protection without any side effects.
About the Author
Dr. Lizzy, our health adviser provides various tips for controlling most of our thyroid problems. These valuable tips are helpful in taking precautions as well as treatments to cure other major problems as well. Some of her suggestions have proved to be fruitful for many patients as she includes natural medications or therapies only in her most recommendations that are absolutely free from side effects.
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