200 Million People Have Hypothyroidism. Why?

 What is hypothyroidism?

The endocrine system is one of the body's main systems. Its main function is to create and release hormones which send signals throughout the body. One of the glands which is a major part of the endocrine system is the thyroid gland.

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland which is located in the neck. It's main function is to release the following hormones:

• T4 (Thyroxine) - It helps maintain the bond between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland by helping with the release of multiple other hormones.
• T3 (Triiodothyronine) - It helps regulate and maintain muscle control, brain function and development, heart and digestive functions and it maintains bone health.
• RT3 (Reverse triiodothyronine) - It helps regulate the presence of T3 in the cells.
• Calcitonin - It helps to regulate calcium and potassium intake in the body.

Hypothyroidism is caused by a deficiency in the T4 hormone. There are several causes which lead to having a deficiency in T4. Hypothyroidism can be different for every patient. Some patients experience the most common symptoms, while others may be asymptomatic and show no outer signs of having hypothyroidism. Still there are many other causes including Hashimoto's disease thyroiditis, some medicines etc. Some patients may even have congenital hypothyroidism meaning that they are born with it.

What kinds of symptoms are associated with hypothyroidism?

There are many symptoms associated with hypothyroidism which include:

• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Weight gain
• Decreased appetite
• Cold intolerance
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Muscle pain, joint pain and overall weakness in the extremities
• Depression
• Forgetfulness, impaired memory or difficulties concentrating
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Decreased hearing
• Fullness in throat or a hoarse throat and more
• Menstrual issues or fertility issues

These are just some of the symptoms commonly associated with having hypothyroidism. However, as already mentioned every case is individual. Some patients may experience the full extent of these symptoms, some may experience issues with sleeping and one third of patients with hypothyroidism experience headaches but a major correlation between headaches and hypothyroidism still has not been found.

Which groups are at risk of hypothyroidism?

In the USA, nearly 5 out of 100 individuals have hypothyroidism and patients with it can be as young as 12 years old! Women are more likely to have hypothyroidism than men. Those aged 60 and above also have an increased risk of having hypothyroidism. Those who have had previous issues with the thyroid gland or have had medical procedures for the thyroid gland are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism. Those with a family history are also more likely to have hypothyroidism as well as women who were pregnant in the last 6 months. Individuals with Turner syndrome also have an increased risk of having hypothyroidism. Having other health issues such as Celiac disease, pernicious anemia, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may also increase the risk of having hypothyroidism.

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Doctors treat hypothyroidism by prescribing patients hormone medicines which will help reverse the progression as well as regulate the normal levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Different doses are prescribed depending on the patients. Pregnant women should take 25% more than the regular dose, while elderly patients are prescribed about 1/4 of the regular dose depending on if they have any other health issues as well.

Still a major role in treating hypothyroidism comes from the diet and lifestyle of a patient. Eating certain foods with high contents of iodine such as kelp or seaweed can worsen the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The same stands for taking iodine supplements.

However, there is no cure for hypothyroidism. It is a life long condition that affects many aspects of the lives of those with it. However by taking hormone medicines and living a healthy lifestyle symptoms are manageable. 

Sources:

1. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/122393-overview
2. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/122393-clinical
3. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/122393-treatment
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism#:~:text=Trials%20for%20Hypothyroidism-,What%20is%20hypothyroidism%3F,the%20front%20of%20your%20neck.
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21201-endocrine-system
7. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/thyroid-and-parathyroid-hormones#:~:text=The%20thyroid%20gland%20releases%20triiodothyronine,part%20of%20the%20endocrine%20system.
8. https://fortworthent.net/fort-worth-thyroid-center/thyroid-disease/
9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/reverse-triiodothyronine#:~:text=It%20helps%20to%20regulate%20intracellular,before%20excretion%20in%20the%20bile.
10. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/treatment/#:~:text=An%20underactive%20thyroid%20is%20a,the%20rest%20of%20your%20life.
11. https://www.medpagetoday.com/endocrinology/thyroid/99599https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypothyroidism-treatments-3233290