{"id":1412,"date":"2020-04-08T12:18:49","date_gmt":"2020-04-08T12:18:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blog.kayawell.com\/?p=1412"},"modified":"2024-11-06T10:47:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T10:47:19","slug":"hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment","title":{"rendered":"Hypothyroidism &#8211; Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which\nyour thyroid gland doesn&#8217;t produce enough of essential hormones. Early stages\nof Hypothyroidism may not result in visible symptoms. Untreated hypothyroidism\ncan cause in health issue, including obesity, joint pain, infertility, heart\ndisease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#Symptoms\" title=\"Symptoms\">Symptoms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#_Symptoms_of_Hypothyroidism_can_include\" title=\"&nbsp;Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can\ninclude:\">&nbsp;Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can\ninclude:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#Hypothyroidism_in_babies\" title=\"Hypothyroidism in babies\">Hypothyroidism in babies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#Hypothyroidism_in_children_and_teens\" title=\"Hypothyroidism in children and teens\">Hypothyroidism in children and teens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#Causes\" title=\"Causes\">Causes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#Risk_factors\" title=\"Risk factors\">Risk factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/hypothyroidism-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-and-treatment\/#Complications\" title=\"Complications\">Complications<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms\"><\/span><strong>Symptoms <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary,\ndepending on how severe the hormone deficiency is. Problems tend to grow\ngradually, often over a number of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, the symptoms of\nhypothyroidism such as exhaustion and obesity can be barely observed. Or you\ncan simply attribute them to ageing. But as your metabolism continues to slow,\nyou may develop more-obvious issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Symptoms_of_Hypothyroidism_can_include\"><\/span><strong>&nbsp;Symptoms of Hypothyroidism can\ninclude:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exhaustion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessed\nsensitivity to cold<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dry\nskin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obesity&nbsp; <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Puffy\nface<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hoarseness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle\nweakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High\nblood cholesterol <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscle\npains, tenderness and stiffness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain,\nstiffness or swelling in the joints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heavier\nthan the usual or irregular menstrual cycle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thinning\nhair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow\nheart rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Memory\nloss<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Larger\nthyroid gland<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hypothyroidism_in_babies\"><\/span><strong>Hypothyroidism in babies<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though hypothyroidism most commonly\naffects middle-aged and older people, anyone, including infants, may develop\nthe disorder. Initially, Babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland\nnot functioning properly can have few signs and symptoms. When neonates have\nhypothyroidism problems, the problems can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Broad,\nprotruding tongue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Problems\nin breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hoarse\ncrying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An\numbilical hernia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Infants are likely to have difficulty\neating as the disease progresses, so they may struggle to grow and develop\nnormally. They may as well have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Weak\nMuscle Tone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive\nSleepiness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If infants with hypothyroidism are\nnot treated, even mild cases can cause serious physical and mental retardation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hypothyroidism_in_children_and_teens\"><\/span><strong>Hypothyroidism in children and teens<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children and teens that develop\nhypothyroidism usually have the same signs and symptoms as adults, but may also\nexperience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slow\ngrowth, resulting in short stature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delayed\ndevelopment of permanent teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delayed\npuberty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor\nmental development<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When to see a doctor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you feel sleepy or tired for no\nreason, see your doctor, or have any of the other signs or symptoms of\nhypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a swollen, puffy face, constipation, or a\nhoarse voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you are being treated for\nhypothyroidism with hormone therapy, schedule follow-up appointments as often\nas your doctor suggests. Initially, it is important to ensure you get the right\ndosage of medication. And over time, the dose you need may change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes\"><\/span><strong>Causes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your thyroid doesn&#8217;t produce\nenough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset.\nThere can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism\ntreatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your thyroid does not generate\nenough hormones, it can disrupt your body&#8217;s balance of chemical reactions.\nThere can be a variety of causes, including autoimmune disease, therapies for\nhyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and other drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hypothyroidism occurs when enough\nhormones are not released by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can be caused by\nmultiple causes, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\nAutoimmune disease. An autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto&#8217;s\nthyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. When the immune system\ndevelops antibodies that target your own tissues, autoimmune disorders occur. Sometimes\nthis process involves your thyroid gland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\nThyroid surgery. Removing all or a large portion of your thyroid gland\ncan reduce or halt the development of hormones. You will need to take thyroid\nhormone for life in that situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\nRadiation therapy. Radiation used to treat cancers of the head and neck\ncan damage your thyroid gland and may result in hypothyroidism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\nMedications. Hypothyroidism can be treated with a variety of\nmedications. Lithium is one such medication, which is used to treat many\npsychiatric disorders. Tell your doctor about its effect on your thyroid gland\nif you&#8217;re taking medicines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_factors\"><\/span><strong>Risk factors<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although everyone can develop\nhypothyroidism, you&#8217;re at high risk if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Older\nthan 65<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have\na family history of thyroid disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have\nan autoimmune disease, such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have\nbeen treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Received\nradiation to your neck or upper chest<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have\nhad thyroid surgery <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have\nbeen pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications\"><\/span><strong>Complications<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Untreated hypothyroidism can cause\nvarious health issues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Goiter<\/strong>: Constant thyroid stimulation to\nrelease more hormones will cause the gland to grow bigger \u00e2\u20ac\u201d a condition known\nas a goiter. Although not painful general, a big goiter may affect your\nappearance and can interfere with swallowing or breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heart problems<\/strong>: Hypothyroidism may also be\nassociated with a high risk of cardiac disease and heart failure, mainly\nbecause high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the\n&#8220;poor&#8221; cholesterol \u00e2\u20ac\u201d may occur in people with an underactive thyroid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mental health issues<\/strong>: Depression may begin early in\nhypothyroidism and may become more serious over time. Also, Hypothyroidism can\ncause slow mental functioning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Myxedema<\/strong>: This unusual, life-threatening\ncondition is the result of undiagnosed long-term hypothyroidism. The symptoms\ninclude intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy\nand unconsciousness. Sedatives, infection or other trauma to your body may\ncause a myxedema coma. When you have myxedema signs or symptoms you need urgent\nmedical emergency care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infertility<\/strong>: Low levels of thyroid hormone may\ninterfere with ovulation, which impairs fertility. Additionally, some of the\ncauses of hypothyroidism \u00e2\u20ac\u201d including autoimmune disorder \u00e2\u20ac\u201d may also impair\nfertility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Birth defects<\/strong>: Babies born to untreated women with\nthyroid disease can have a higher chance of birth defects than babies born to\nhealthy mothers. Such babies are more likely to face severe academic and\nbehavioural problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Babies with untreated hypothyroidism\npresent at birth are at risk of severe physical mental development disorders\nboth. But if this condition is diagnosed within the first few months of life,\nthen there are excellent chances of normal development.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which your thyroid gland doesn&#8217;t produce enough of essential hormones. Early stages of Hypothyroidism may not result in visible symptoms. Untreated hypothyroidism can cause in health issue, including obesity, joint pain, infertility, heart disease. Symptoms Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on how severe the hormone deficiency is. Problems tend [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1419,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1112],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thyroid"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1412"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1412\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}