When the thyroid hormone level drops, the body’s metabolism rate slows, leading to an array of symptoms such as slower heart rate, fatigue, abrupt weight gain, intolerance to cold temperatures and increased cholesterol levels. In severe cases, hypothyroidism can trigger potentially life-threatening complications such as myxedema coma, in which patients exhibit multiple organ abnormalities and progressive mental deterioration.
Hypothyroidism is caused by either primary or secondary factors such as:
As common as hypothyroidism may be, there are certain risk factors that indicate a group of people who are more susceptible to developing the condition such as:
Adults | Adolescents | Infants |
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Although most children, and teenagers share similar symptoms with adults, they may also experience:
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Despite hypothyroidism being a common condition, it can be challenging to diagnose as the symptoms are universal and can be mistaken for other conditions. Diagnosing hypothyroidism may necessitate a combination of physical examination, medical evaluation and blood tests to gauge the functionality of the thyroid gland. Generally, the diagnostic procedure involves:
If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, treatment is aimed at managing your triggers, symptoms and thyroid levels.
It goes without saying that thyroid health is important as it impacts your overall health and well-being. If you suspect that you might be impacted by hypothyroidism, schedule your appointment today to reclaim autonomy over your thyroid health.
The key difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is in how the thyroid gland regulates metabolism:
Yes, hypothyroidism can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). According to a study, thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism are linked to sexual dysfunction in men such as decreased libido, and ED. Hypothyroidism's impact on hormone levels, and metabolism can disrupt sexual function leading to issues like reduced sexual desire and impaired erectile function.
Hypothyroidism-induced weight gain can occur due to the slowing of metabolism. However, a study discovered that hypothyroidism could contribute to some weight increase, it is usually modest, typically around 2 to 5 kilograms. This is mainly due to water retention rather than excessive fat accumulation.
Failure to treat and manage hypothyroidism earlier spells many potential health-related complications, such as:
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