Other names: Low Thyroid; Thyroid, Underactive
An underactive thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to keep your metabolism and other body processes functioning at a good level.
Your thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is located on the front part of your lower neck. It controls your metabolism, which is essentially how the cells in your body use energy gained from food. Low thyroid levels cause your metabolism to become sluggish, which in turn lowers your body temperature, slows your heart rate, and decreases the rate in which you burn calories.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be vague and may be confused with other conditions. More common symptoms include:
- Greater sensitivity to cold
- A slow heart rate
- Fatigue
- Dry hair and hair loss
- Dry skin
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Constipation
- Depression
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Swelling of the thyroid gland.
One in every 3000 to 4000 babies are born with hypothyroidism. This is called congenital hypothyroidism and occurs because the thyroid gland does not develop or function properly. It is usually permanent and life-long. Symptoms may not be obvious and may include:
- Poor feeding
- Cold hands and feet
- Extreme sleepiness
- A weak or hoarse cry
- Constipation
- Little or no growth
- Poor muscle tone (floppy infant)
- Persistent jaundice
- Puffy face or a swollen tongue
- Stomach bloating.
How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you suspect your thyroid levels may be low, or if your baby has symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Your doctor will examine your neck and inspect your thyroid gland which may be enlarged. Your heart rate may be checked as well as your knee and ankle reflexes to see if they respond more slowly.
Blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones and serum TSH will be ordered, and possibly other tests such as those for cholesterol which is often abnormal in people with hypothyroidism. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on the results of all these tests.
How is Hypothyroidism Treated?
Hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the missing thyroid hormones with oral synthetic thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, liothyronine, or liotrix.
Regular blood tests are needed to make sure that you are taking the right dose for your body, as the dosage can vary among people. Pregnant women may need higher dosages of thyroid hormone during pregnancy, and some foods and medications can affect the absorption and levels in the blood of replacement thyroid hormones.
