O hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism it is the alteration in the production of the thyroid gland, in which it starts to produce the hormones in an insufficient way for the body.
It is one of the most common endocrine diseases, interfering with the body's processes and slowing down the metabolism.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the change in the production of hormones in the thyroid, which is a gland located in the neck region.
In hypothyroidism, the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are produced at a lower level than the body needs, interfering with the functioning of the metabolism.
T3 is produced in small amounts and acts at the rhythm of the functioning of the organs, whereas T4 is produced in greater amounts. amount, but it is less potent in the organism and, along the path taken by the body, it is transformed in T3.
This failure in the production of T3 and T4 that causes hypothyroidism.
Read too:
- parathyroids
- endocrine glands
- Glands of the human body
Causes of Hypothyroidism
The most common cause is Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that most often affects women with over 50 years, in which the thyroid gland becomes the target of antibodies, acting as if it were harmful to itself. body.
Considered a congenital disease, hypothyroidism can occur in people who have relatives with the disease or who have already undergone surgical interventions for partial or total removal of the thyroid.
The low production of hormones by the thyroid can also be related to iodine deficiency, increased thyroid size and even a consequence of treatment for hyperthyroidism, because with the ingestion of hormones that are already present in the body, the thyroid starts to decrease production Natural.
In addition to these causes, other factors can indicate hypothyroidism:
- Who had radiotherapy in the head or neck region;
- People with type 1 diabetes;
- People with autoimmune disease;
- Heart failure cases;
- Down syndrome sufferers;
- Patients with Turner Syndrome;
- Milk production without breastfeeding or outside pregnancy.
Also read about:
- endocrine system
- Immune system
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are related to changes in metabolism and are often only noticed over the years, the most common being:
- Tiredness;
- Discouragement;
- Indisposition;
- Pain in muscles and joints;
- Decreased concentration;
- Feeling of excessive cold;
- Weight gain without apparent cause;
- Change in heart rate;
- Dry skin, brittle and brittle nails.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed through physical examinations, laboratory tests and ultrasound.
O physical exam it consists of the manual analysis performed by the doctor, who palpates the neck region and analyzes for swelling and change in shape. Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism usually has no visual changes.
O laboratory exam is the performance of blood tests to detect the dosages of hormones T3, T4 and TSH. TSH is the thyroid stimulating hormone, which in turn is produced by the thyroid gland. hypophysis.
An antibody test can also be performed to let you know if the thyroid gland already has changes or if it is still going to develop.
The realization of the ultrasound is done to identify possible nodules felt during palpation.
Hypothyroidism treatment
Treatment for hypothyroidism basically consists of hormone replacement, which must be carried out according to each patient.
Intake of T4 hormones is recommended, which are absorbed by the body and transformed into the T3 hormone naturally by the body.
Hormones dose adjustment must be made on a regular basis, with medical supervision, who verifies, based on TSH levels, the need to increase or decrease T4 intake.
Food as part of hypothyroidism treatment
Food can also contribute positively to the treatment of hypothyroidism, helping to reduce symptoms.
Foods that can actively help convert hormones are:
- Vitamin A: carrots, pumpkin, mango, papaya and sweet potatoes.
- Zinc: beans and oilseeds such as chestnuts, chickpeas and peanuts.
- Omega 3: saltwater fish such as sardines and hake.
Some foods can interfere with the conversion of hormones and it is suggested that they be avoided by those with hypothyroidism. These foods are:
- Soybeans and derivatives
- Fluorine
- Chlorine contained in sweeteners
Hypothyroidism video
Watch the video below and learn more about hypothyroidism.