Thyroid Gland Disorders - Hypothyroidism
The thyroid hormones are the main regulators of heat production, metabolism and bone growth. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (for example, it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder, whose most severe form is called myxedema. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the body's immune reaction to itself, producing antibodies against the thyroid gland. One such auto-immune disorder is called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland. Other causes include some treatment of hyperthyroidism such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery. Hypothyroidosm can be an adverse effect of a treatment with amiodarone/cordarone, lithium or may be a transient state following a hyperactive phase.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are usually very subtle and gradual and may be mistaken for symptoms of depression. The following are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism: dull facial expressions, hoarse voice, slow speech, puffy and swollen face, constipation, sparse, coarse, and dry hair, coarse, dry, and thickened skin, carpal tunnel syndrome (hand tingling or pain), slow pulse, muscle cramps, increased menstrual bleeding.
If left un-treated the condition may be complicated by anemia, low body temperature and heart failure.
More Information
Diagnosis is made by:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests - hematology, biochemistry, immunology, hormonal testing
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Electrocardiogram ECG
- Echocardiogram- EchoCG
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies
- Computerised tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Thyroid nuclear scan
- Biopsy
