Why Hypothyroidism Matters
Feeling sluggish, depressed, sensitive to the weather, or gaining weight while on a diet? Anyone with the above symptoms may be suffering from hypothyroidism.
To better understand the condition, it’s best to discuss the organ involved: the thyroid gland. This small and lightweight organ, which sits just below the Adam’s apple, influences many of the body’s metabolic functions. It produces tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), respectively. The release of the T3 and T4 is triggered by the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone from the pituitary gland situated in the brain. There is a feedback control mechanism that regulates the concentration of the T3 and T4 in the blood and keeps them at a safe level.
The key to understanding hypothyroidism is the function of tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), respectively. The disease is the lack of or decrease in the production of the two aforementioned hormones. Both hormones influence the regulation of mitochondria inside and the ‘energy’ that each cell produces, ultimately the function of the organs. Generally, hypothyroidism slows down the body’s metabolism, which results in obesity to patients. Blood lipid tests often show increased levels of cholesterol and impaired liver function. The brain is not spared from this condition. Patients often complain of memory lapses or sluggishness in mental process or thought. This frustrates many and some become depressed since others may not understand that a once active and lively individual can become slow and weak due to low thyroid function.
Affecting children and adults
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is “Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis” which attacks and causes swelling for the thyroid gland. The process slows down the organ’s function thereby decreasing the production of hormones. Another cause is the failure of the pituitary to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is called secondary hypothyroidism. This condition is caused by physical damage to the thyroid from irradiation (from cancer radiotherapy) or surgical removal (due to cancer). A genetic predisposition can also be considered because some infants are born with impaired thyroid function. Children with this condition are prone to developmental problems such as delayed growth and mental progress. The delay of the child’s physical attributes lead to features of cretinism, such as wide set eyes, thin hair, flat nose, abdominal protrusion, mental retardation, and stunting of growth.
Older children have delayed puberty and are at risk of infertility. Participation in sports and active play can become a source of anguish and frustration for these children because of frequent injuries such as joint stiffness, muscle pain, and “clumsiness”. Further, retarded bone development, fractures, and bone contusions can occur and may explain some complaints of bone pain despite minor bumps during play. Fatigue, lethargy and joint stiffness are common manifestations for adults. Early in the course of the disease, the skin becomes dry and hair tend to fall at an increased fate. The skin feels rough and doughy with obvious loss of elasticity despite application of lotion and moisturizers. Sufferers may also experience constipation due to decrease intestinal movement.
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