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Hypothyroidism

  • The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea.

  • It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy generation, and overall growth and development.

  • Thyroid diseases are common and can affect the structure or function of the thyroid gland.

  • They are broadly classified into hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer.

Hypothyroidism

Introduction

  • Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones (thyroxine T4 and triiodothyronine T3).

  • This results in a slowing down of the body's metabolic processes.

Causes

  1. Autoimmune Disease: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

  2. Iodine Deficiency: Insufficient iodine intake can impair thyroid hormone production.

  3. Thyroid Surgery: Removal of the thyroid gland can lead to hypothyroidism.

  4. Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for head and neck cancers can damage the thyroid gland.

  5. Medications: Some drugs can interfere with thyroid hormone production.

  6. Congenital Hypothyroidism: A condition present at birth due to a defective thyroid gland.

Symptoms

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain

  • Cold intolerance

  • Dry skin and hair

  • Constipation

  • Muscle weakness and cramps

  • Depression

  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)

  • Menstrual irregularities

Diagnosis

1. Blood Tests:

  • Measurement of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4) levels.

  • High TSH and low T4 indicate hypothyroidism.

2. Thyroid Antibody Tests:

  • To diagnose autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

Pathophysiology of Hypothyroidism:

  1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland leading to reduced thyroid hormone production.

  2. Iodine Deficiency: Inadequate iodine intake results in insufficient thyroid hormone synthesis.

  3. nodules can produce excess thyroid hormones independently.

Treatment

  • Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of T4, is the standard treatment to normalize hormone levels.


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