When the thyroid gland is hypothyroid, it produces insufficient amounts of a number of critical hormones.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the normal balance of chemical reactions in the body and is more common in women, especially those over the age of 60. Although hypothyroidism rarely manifests itself in the early stages with symptoms, if left untreated, it can lead to a number of health issues, including obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.
Causes—-Several factors, including autoimmune disease, treatment for hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, and specific medications, can cause the thyroid to produce insufficient amounts of hormones, which can upset the balance of chemical reactions in the body.
The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of the front of the neck, just below your Adam’s apple. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two hormones that are produced by the thyroid, have a significant impact on health and affect all aspects of metabolism. They maintain the rate at which your body burns fats and carbohydrates, aid in controlling body temperature, affect heart rate, and help control the production of proteins.
Insufficient hormone production by the thyroid gland, known as hypothyroidism, can be brought on by a variety of conditions, such as:
Autoimmune disease.The most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is a condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is an inflammatory disorder that affects the thyroid gland.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism.Radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications are frequently used to treat people who produce too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) in an effort to reduce and normalize thyroid function, but in some instances, these treatments can cause hypothyroidism to become permanent.
Thyroid surgery.You will need to take thyroid hormone for the rest of your life if you have thyroid surgery that involves removing most or all of your thyroid gland.
Radiation therapy.Your thyroid gland may be affected by radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, which could cause hypothyroidism.
Medications.Lithium, a drug used to treat some psychiatric disorders, is one of many drugs that can cause hypothyroidism, so if you’re taking any, ask your doctor about how it will affect your thyroid function.
Less frequently, one of the following factors may cause hypothyroidism:
Congenital disease.Many infants with congenital hypothyroidism appear normal at birth, which is one reason why most states now require newborn thyroid screening. Some babies are born with a defective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland; in most cases, the thyroid gland didn’t develop normally for unknown reasons, but some kids have an inherited form of the disorder.
Pituitary disorder.Failure of the pituitary gland to produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a relatively uncommon cause of hypothyroidism, and is typically brought on by a benign pituitary tumor.
Pregnancy.Left untreated, hypothyroidism increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, preeclampsia — a condition that causes a significant increase in a woman’s blood pressure during the last three months of pregnancy — and can seriously harm the developing fetus. Some women experience postpartum hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy, frequently because they produce antibodies to their own thyroid gland.
Iodine deficiency.Iodine deficiency is common in some parts of the world, but the addition of iodine to table salt in the United States has virtually eliminated this issue. Conversely, consuming too much iodine can result in hypothyroidism. Iodine is a trace mineral that is primarily found in seafood, seaweed, plants grown in iodine-rich soil, and iodized salt. It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
SymptomsThe severity of the hormone deficiency determines the specific signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, but in general, any issues you have tend to develop gradually, frequently over a number of years.
As your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as: Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include: Fatigue and weight gain may be the only symptoms you initially notice, or you may simply attribute them to getting older.
· Fatigue
· Increased sensitivity to cold
· Constipation
· Dry skin
· Weight gain
· Puffy face
· Hoarseness
· Muscle weakness
· Elevated blood cholesterol level
Pain, sensitivity, and stiffness in the muscles
Joint discomfort, stiffness, or swell-up
- heavier or more erratic than usual menstrual cycles
- Thinning hair
- Slowed heart rate
- Depression
- Impaired memory
Chronic stimulation of your thyroid gland to release more hormones may result in an enlarged thyroid (goiter), as well as memory loss, slowed thinking, and depression. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, signs and symptoms may gradually worsen.
Myxedema, a severe form of advanced hypothyroidism, is uncommon but life-threatening when it does occur.
Hypothyroidism in infants
Babies born without a thyroid gland or with a thyroid gland that doesn’t function properly may initially have few signs and symptoms; however, anyone can develop the condition, including infants. When newborns do have problems with hypothyroidism, the problems may include:
Jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes that typically happens when a baby’s liver is unable to process the substance bilirubin, which is typically produced when the body recycles old or damaged red blood cells.
· Frequent choking.
· A large, protruding tongue.
a face that appears puffy.
Infants may struggle to feed as the illness worsens and may even fail to develop normally.
· Poor muscle tone
· Excessive sleepiness
Even mild cases of infant hypothyroidism can result in serious physical and mental retardation if treatment is not received.
Hypothyroidism in children and teens
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children and adolescents are generally the same as those in adults, but they may also include:
Short stature is the result of poor growth.
Permanent teeth develop later than expected
· Delayed puberty
· Poor mental development
Although anyone can become hypothyroid, the following factors put you at higher risk:
Are you a woman who is over 60 years old?
· Have an autoimmune disease
Have thyroid disease in your family history
Suffer from other autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which are both long-term inflammatory diseases.
Have received treatment with thyroid-blocking drugs or radioactive iodine
Radiation that was administered to your upper chest or neck
Undergone a partial thyroidectomy for thyroid issues
Have recently given birth to a child or been pregnant
Complications
Numerous health issues can develop if hypothyroidism is left untreated, including:
Goiter.One of the most frequent causes of a goiter is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Although generally not uncomfortable, a large goiter can affect your appearance and may interfere with swallowing or breathing. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may cause the gland to become larger, a condition known as a goiter.
Heart problems.Even subclinical hypothyroidism, a mild or early form of hypothyroidism in which symptoms have not yet developed, can increase total cholesterol levels and impair the pumping ability of your heart. Hypothyroidism may also be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, primarily because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the “bad” cholesterol, can occur in individuals with an underactive thyroid.
Mental health issues.Hypothyroidism can also result in slowed mental functioning, depression, and hypothyroidism can cause depression that starts out mild and gets worse over time.
Peripheral neuropathy.Peripheral neuropathy, also known as chronic uncontrolled hypothyroidism, is a condition that affects the nerves that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, such as the arms and legs. Peripheral neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness or loss of motor control in the area where the nerves are damaged.
Myxedema.A myxedema coma may be brought on by sedatives, infection, or other stress on your body. If you have signs or symptoms of myxedema, you should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Myxedema is a rare, life-threatening condition that is caused by long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.
Infertility.Aside from the fact that low thyroid hormone levels can prevent ovulation, which reduces fertility, some hypothyroidism-related conditions, like autoimmune disorders, can also reduce fertility.
Birth defects.Babies with untreated hypothyroidism present at birth are at risk of serious problems with both physical and mental development; however, if this condition is diagnosed within the first few months of life, the chances of normal development are excellent. Babies born to women with untreated thyroid disease may have a higher risk of birth defects than may babies born to healthy mothers; these children are also more prone to serious intellectual and developmental problems.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
There are many effective medicines available in homoeopathy for treating hypothyroidism, but the choice depends on the patient’s individuality, taking into account the mental and physiological well-being. Homoeopathy is a rapidly expanding system that is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical levels.
Anacardium 200—Anacardium is suitable for people with weak digestion, fullness, and distension, as well as dyspepsia. These people also have profound depression and a tendency to use foul, violent language. They also have poor memory and are absent-minded due to hypothyroidism. They are also very easily offended.
Baryta carbonica 200—Baryta carb is best for people who are shy and uncomfortable around strangers. It is also good for people who have memory loss, mental instability, and irrational behavior.
Calcarea Carbonica30Excessive sweating on the head is a leading symptom for the use of calcea carb in hypothyroid patients. Craving for boiled eggs, desire for indigestible things like chalk, pencils, and lime, and aversion to fats. Overworked and exhausted. Forgetful, confused, misplaces, and expresses himself wrongly. Woman with hypothyroidism have too early, too profuse, and too long menses with v.
Weak memory, slow grasp, difficulty understanding, constipation on alternate days, and too late, irregular, and scanty menstruation are all characteristics of conium maculatum 200, which is best suited to old maids and bachelors.
Sepia Officinalis 200They are angry, sensitive, very irritable, easily offended, miserable, and have an indifferent behavior towards family members who were previously very much loved. —-Sepia is adapted to irritable, very weak persons, have yellow saddle across nose, faint very easily from least exertion, and on exposure to excessive cold temperature. Craving for acid things and pickles. In women with hypothyroidism the menses appear too early and profuse with sharp clutching pain.
Lycopodium Clavatum200——Lycopodium is appropriate for people with hypothyroidism who have gastric disturbances, weak digestion, excessive gas and bloating after eating, and a desire for sweets. Lycopodium people prefer hot drinks and hot food. They are irritable and angry and have low sex drive as a result of their hypothyroidism. Hair is thinning.
Graphites 200—Graphites is best suited for obese people who are susceptible to colds. Mentally, Graphites people are depressed and cry easily and without reason. Music triggers their tears. Long-term constipation is a prominent symptom of hypothyroidism. Stools are large, knotted, joined by mucus threads, and they pass through the body with great difficulty. Flatulence. Cannot tolerate tight clothing around the waist. Abdomen swollen, as from incarcerated
Nux vomica 200Nux vomica people typically experience the following symptoms of hypothyroidism: obstinate constipation, frequent ineffective desire or passing but small quantities at each attempt, incomplete and unsatisfactory stools, and a strong desire for stimulants like alcoholic beverages.
Tuberculinum 1000No other medication should be administered for the following 24 hours after starting treatment with this remedy.
Thyroidinum 3x—Delayed physical and mental development, trouble focusing while studying, irritability before menses, menses that come on too early, propensity for excessive obesity and weight gain, and a sweet tooth.
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