An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce sufficient thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy production, and various body functions. The thyroid gland releases hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), influencing the functioning of organs and tissues. These support growth and development and regulate body temperature. Inadequate production of these hormones can result in a slowdown of body metabolism.
The most common cause of an underactive thyroid is autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation). In some cases, an underactive thyroid occurs at birth. Radiation therapy, thyroid surgery, or certain medications can also lead to underactive thyroid. It is more prevalent in women, the exact reasons for which are unclear.
Hypothyroidism is a manageable condition but typically requires lifelong treatment with medication. While it may not be completely curable, proper medication and monitoring can effectively manage symptoms and restore thyroid hormone levels to normal ranges. Recognising its signs can help you with prompt diagnosis and early management.
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What Are the Signs of an Underactive Thyroid?
The common signs of an underactive thyroid include:
- Fatigue: You may often experience persistent fatigue and a sense of overall tiredness.
- Weight Gain: Hypothyroidism can lead to unexplained weight gain due to a slower metabolism.
- Puffy Face: Swelling or puffiness in the face is a common symptom, contributing to a rounded appearance.
- Trouble Tolerating Cold: Hypothyroidism can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making you more sensitive to cold.
- Joint and Muscle Pain: Muscle and joint discomfort, stiffness, or pain may be present, impacting your overall mobility.
- Constipation: Slow bowel movements and constipation are common digestive symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid.
- Dry Skin: Your skin may become dry, rough, and flaky due to decreased oil production.
- Dry and Thinning of Hair: Your hair texture may change and become dry and thin. Some may even experience hair loss.
- Decreased Sweating: Reduced sweating is another common symptom due to an underactive thyroid.
- Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Periods: In women, hypothyroidism can lead to menstrual irregularities, including heavier or more prolonged periods.
- Fertility Problems in Women: Hypothyroidism can also cause fertility issues in women, affecting the ability to conceive.
- Depression: Changes in thyroid hormone levels can impact mood, leading to depression symptoms.
- Slowed Heart Rate: The heart rate may decrease, resulting in a slowed pulse and potential cardiovascular effects.
- Goitre: In some cases, hypothyroidism can cause swelling in the neck. This condition is known as a goitre. It can interfere with breathing or swallowing.
Best Medicine for an Underactive Thyroid and How to Take It?
The most common and effective medication for treating an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is thyroxine (levothyroxine). It is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), and it works by supplementing the deficient thyroid hormone levels in the body. It comes in the form of a tablet, and it’s best to take thyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast or any other medications. Avoid taking it with coffee, tea, or other beverages to ensure optimal absorption.
Online apps for medicines offer the best solutions to get medicines at your convenience. You can order thyroxine tablets on medicine buy app. Get the best generic medicines suitable for your condition. Also, avail expert guidance from doctors on diet and medications for underactive thyroid management.
While taking thyroxine tablets, avoid taking antiepileptics, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, antacids, and gastric medications simultaneously. It may reduce the safety and effectiveness of these medicines. If you have diabetes, heart problems, hypertension or low bone mineral density, inform your doctor when a thyroxine tablet is prescribed to you.
Besides medication, get your thyroid function regularly monitored with blood tests as your doctor advises. They may adjust thyroxine tablet dosage based on these results.
How to Prevent an Underactive Thyroid?
While some factors contributing to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are beyond your control, there are lifestyle changes that may support your thyroid health and reduce the risk of hypothyroidism. Here are some valuable tips to consider:
- Take an Iodine-rich Diet: Ensure an adequate intake of iodine, an essential element for thyroid hormone production. Foods like iodised salt, seaweed, dairy, and fish can increase iodine levels.
- Limit Soy Intake: Excessive consumption of soy, especially supplements, may interfere with thyroid hormone production.
- Manage Your Stress: Stress can impact thyroid function. Reduce your stress through stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Take Adequate Selenium: Include selenium-rich foods like brown rice, chia seeds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, eggs and fish.
- Limit Goitrogenic Foods: Some foods, known as goitrogens, may interfere with thyroid function. These include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. Cooking can reduce their impact.
- Avoid Excessive Supplements: Taking excessive amounts of certain supplements, such as iodine or iron, without medical guidance can negatively affect thyroid function. Follow your doctor’s advice for dosage while taking these supplements.
Takeaway
Hypothyroidism is a manageable condition that usually necessitates treatment with thyroxine tablets. Although it may not be entirely curable, consistent medication and regular blood tests can proficiently address symptoms and bring thyroid hormone levels back to the normal range. Making some dietary changes, engaging in regular physical activity and prioritising your quality sleep can impact overall hormonal balance, including thyroid hormones.