Hypothyroidism: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of hormones (T3 and T4), which slows down the body's metabolism. This can be due to a problem with the thyroid gland itself, but also to a lack of stimulation by the TSH hormone, produced by the pituitary gland.

Causes

The causes of hypothyroidism can vary, including: • Autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. • Surgery or treatments (thyroidectomy, radiotherapy). • Iodine deficiency, which can cause thyroid disorders in some regions of the world. • Congenital, with thyroid development problems from birth. • Pituitary insufficiency, when the gland that stimulates the thyroid (the pituitary gland) is not functioning properly.

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism causes a slowdown of body functions, with symptoms such as: • Fatigue, lack of energy. • Sensitivity to cold, tendency to feel cold even when it's mild. • Moderate weight gain despite a normal diet. • Dry skin, brittle nails, dry hair or hair loss. • Constipation and digestive issues. • Slowed heart rate (bradycardia). • Depression and mental slowing. Affected individuals may also have a hoarser voice, a slightly swollen face, and snoring.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on several factors: • Symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold. • A blood test, which shows high TSH levels (thyroid stimulating hormone) and low T4 levels (one of the thyroid hormones). • Ultrasound, to examine the thyroid and understand the cause of the problem.

Treatment

The treatment involves replacing the missing thyroid hormones. This is done with: • L-thyroxine, a medication that replaces the T4 hormone. The dose is adjusted to restore a normal hormone level in the blood. • Regular monitoring with tests to ensure the dose is well-adjusted. In some rare cases, such as coma due to severe hypothyroidism (myxedema coma), urgent medical intervention is necessary. During pregnancy, it's also important to adjust treatment doses to ensure the baby's healthy development.