The thyroid gland is considered one of the most important glands in the human body, as it is located in the neck area and secretes the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These two hormones are essential for every cell in the body and every vital process. Any imbalance in the levels of thyroid hormones, whether increased or decreased, may lead to the appearance of annoying symptoms and serious complications. In this article, we will review through the      Dalili Medical website everything related to hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism?

 

Hypothyroidism, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland is unable to secrete sufficient amounts of the hormone thyroxine, which plays a vital role in regulating metabolism and growth. The thyroid gland is located in the lower front of the neck and is considered one of the main glands in the body, as it provides the energy needed for vital processes and contributes to regulating the functions of some organs, such as the heartbeat and the work of the digestive system. When the thyroid gland does not secrete its hormones in sufficient quantities, this leads to a slowdown in vital processes. Hypothyroidism increases with age, is more common in women, and may be linked to genetic factors. You may notice some symptoms that affect your ability to carry out your daily life normally, such as constant fatigue, unexplained depression, and difficulty doing simple efforts; these symptoms may be the result of hypothyroidism, which is more common than many people think.

**Is hypothyroidism a serious condition?**

 

If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.

**Is hypothyroidism a chronic disease?**

 

It is usually chronic, but sometimes it can be the result of another problem, such as iodine deficiency, and when this problem is treated, the symptoms disappear.

**Is hypothyroidism related to heredity?**

 

In some cases, it may be hereditary, but not in all cases.

**Does hypothyroidism affect breastfeeding?**

 

If thyroid hormone deficiency is not treated, it can lead to a decrease in milk production.

**When can hypothyroidism affect the fetus?**

 

Yes, it can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and breathing problems.

**Does hypothyroidism cause dizziness?**

 

Yes, it can cause dizziness.

**Does hypothyroidism cause headaches?**

 

Yes, it can cause headaches.

Does hypothyroidism cause swelling of the feet?

 

Yes, hypothyroidism can cause swelling of the feet and body due to the accumulation of fluids and salts.

When do the symptoms of hypothyroidism disappear?

 

Symptoms disappear after starting appropriate treatment for a sufficient period and at appropriate doses.

How long does hypothyroidism treatment last?

 

Treatment may last a lifetime.

Is hypothyroidism completely curable?

 

There are only rare cases that can be treated permanently, which are those resulting from other problems such as pituitary gland disorders or iodine deficiency.

Is thyroid surgery a dangerous procedure?

 

Thyroid surgery involves some risks, like any other surgical procedure, as complications related to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection may occur. In addition, special complications may occur, such as changes in the voice due to damage to the vocal cord nerves near the gland, or a decrease in calcium levels due to the effect of the operation on the parathyroid glands.

Where is hypothyroidism prevalent?

 

Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in areas where there is a lack of iodine in the daily diet. However, nowadays, iodine is added to processed table salt as a means of preventing this disease.

What vitamins can be taken with thyroid treatment?

 

The doctor may recommend taking nutritional supplements containing some minerals and vitamins that enhance the effectiveness of thyroid medications. These minerals and vitamins include:

- Vitamin B12.

- Vitamin D.

- Vitamin A.

- Selenium.

- Zinc.

- Iron.

Does thyroidectomy lead to weight gain?

 

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolic processes, i.e. converting food into energy that the body needs. Therefore, removing this gland may lead to weight gain due to slowing down metabolic rates, and not due to increased appetite or fat accumulation, as occurs in cases of hypothyroidism.

Can hypothyroidism be prevented?

 

Hypothyroidism cannot be completely prevented, but the risk of the condition developing into a more severe form or developing symptoms that significantly affect life can be reduced by monitoring the signs and symptoms associated with it and treating it with appropriate doses. If hypothyroidism is detected early and appropriate treatment is started, the condition can be largely controlled.

What are the complications resulting from hypothyroidism?

 

Left untreated thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to serious, life-threatening health problems, including:

1. **Heart problems**: where the level of cholesterol in the blood rises significantly.

2. **Growth disorders**: Left untreated, this condition in infants and children can lead to delayed physical and mental development.

3. **Infertility**: A deficiency in thyroid hormones may cause ovulation to stop.

4. **Goiter**: This occurs as a result of the body stimulating the gland to produce more hormones, which may lead to difficulties in breathing and swallowing.

5. **Myxedema**: It is a serious complication, and its most important symptoms are feeling very cold and losing consciousness, which requires urgent medical intervention.

6. **Psychological problems**: Hypothyroidism can cause depression.Does hypothyroidism affect pregnancy?

Statistics indicate that 4% of women of childbearing age suffer from low levels of thyroid hormone, which leads to problems in pregnancy and childbirth due to the effects of this gland.

When thyroid hormone levels decrease, the level of prolactin in the blood increases, which affects the process of egg release. This may lead to its non-release or irregularity of this process, causing difficulties in pregnancy.

In addition, hypothyroidism can shorten the duration of the second phase of the menstrual cycle, which prevents the egg from implanting in the uterus.

Early treatment of hypothyroidism helps in proper pregnancy planning, and it is also important to adjust the doses of thyroid hormones during pregnancy based on the doctor's advice.

**Is a thyroid tumor considered cancer?**

 

Not every thyroid tumor is classified as cancer. In most cases, thyroid tumors are benign (non-cancerous), and often appear in the form of nodules or lumps that can be treated without the need for complete removal of the gland. This is due to interventional radiology and radiofrequency ablation techniques.

**Does the thyroid gland cause neck pain?**

 

An enlarged thyroid gland can cause neck pain. Neck pain may also be associated with thyroid tumors, whether these tumors are benign (such as thyroid nodules) or malignant (such as thyroid cancer).

**What are the causes and risk factors for hypothyroidism?**

 

The causes and risk factors include:

**Primary causes of hypothyroidism:**

The causes of this disease are classified into three main categories, which are:

1. **Primary hypothyroidism**: occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce the necessary hormones due to damage.

2. **Secondary hypothyroidism**: occurs when the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the pituitary gland, which is the hormone responsible for regulating the function of the thyroid gland, is affected.

3. **Tertiary hypothyroidism**: occurs when the production of thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) in the hypothalamus is affected, which is the hormone that regulates the secretion of TSH from the pituitary gland.

**Other causes of hypothyroidism**

Primary hypothyroidism is the most common, and occurs as a result of a variety of conditions, including:

- Autoimmune thyroiditis known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland and may sometimes be accompanied by an enlarged gland.

- Thyroid damage resulting from the use of radioactive iodine, which is used to treat hyperthyroidism or to treat cancerous tumors in the gland.

- Damage to the thyroid gland after a surgical removal of it.

- Subacute thyroiditis, which leads to damage to the gland.

- Taking high doses of iodine.

- Disturbances in the function of the gland as a result of taking some medications such as lithium, amiodarone, and dopamine.

- Hypothyroidism that occurs after childbirth, which is often the result of inflammation and resolves spontaneously.

- Rare causes related to birth, such as a genetic defect in the production of thyroid hormones or a deficiency in iodine.

Hashimoto's disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune diseases also play a role in thyroiditis.

This condition is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in women, and it is more common in women than in men. It is worth noting that autoimmune thyroiditis may start suddenly or develop slowly over years.

Using some medications Taking some medications may lead to hypothyroidism, and these medications usually cause hypothyroidism in people who have a genetic tendency to develop it. These medications include:

Lithium, which is used to treat some mental illnesses. Radioactive iodine, which is used to treat some thyroid diseases, including goiter, benign tumors, and hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine treatment may result in damage to many cells and the patient may develop hypothyroidism within a year or two of treatment.

Medications used to treat hyperthyroidism: Anti-thyroid Medications), where a significant reduction in thyroxine production causes the gland to be underactive.

Amiodarone, a medication used to regulate heartbeats.

Interferon alpha: Interferon Alpha.

Interleukin-2: interleukin-2, used to treat some types of cancer.

Thyroid surgery Doctors resort to surgically removing the thyroid gland or part of it to treat some diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, and cancerous tumors. If the entire thyroid gland is removed, the person will develop hypothyroidism after its removal, and the patient will need treatment with thyroxine hormone for life. However, if part of it is removed, the remaining part may in some cases produce sufficient amounts of hormones.

Radiation therapy Some people with Graves' disease, thyroid cancer, and head and neck cancers may need radioactive iodine therapy, which can kill thyroid cells, causing the thyroid to become underactive and lose some or all of its function.

Congenital hypothyroidism Some babies may be born without a thyroid gland or with only part of it, or the thyroid gland may be out of place, causing underactive thyroid. In some cases, thyroid cells and enzymes may not work properly.

Thyroiditis Thyroiditis is caused by an autoimmune attack orViral infection.

Getting too much or too little iodine The thyroid gland needs iodine, which is obtained from food, to produce its hormones, so not getting enough iodine is one of the causes of hypothyroidism. Getting too much iodine can worsen hypothyroidism. Therefore, iodine levels must be kept balanced to prevent hypothyroidism.

**Pituitary gland disorders**

The pituitary gland is known as the "master gland", as it plays a vital role in regulating the amounts of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. If the pituitary gland is exposed to a certain disorder, this affects the secretion of hormones from the thyroid gland, and may lead to it stopping working, causing hypothyroidism.

**Congenital problems**

Some babies can be born with an ineffective thyroid gland or no thyroid gland at all. The reason behind the thyroid gland not developing properly is often unknown.

**Pregnancy**

Some women may experience hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy. This condition is usually caused by the body producing antibodies against its own cells during pregnancy, which requires treatment. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and preeclampsia (preeclampsia).

**Iodine deficiency:**

The thyroid gland needs the mineral iodine to produce its hormones. While iodine deficiency can lead to this condition, too much iodine can also worsen symptoms in people who already have the condition.

**How ​​are thyroid tumors diagnosed?**

 

- **Physical examination:** The doctor examines the neck area to detect any lumps or swellings in the thyroid gland.

- **Medical history:** The doctor asks the patient about any previous exposure to radiation, in addition to any family history of thyroid tumors.

- **Blood tests:** Blood tests help determine if there is any imbalance in hormone levels.

- **Ultrasound imaging:** The doctor uses ultrasound technology to determine if the enlargement is noncancerous or if there is a possibility of a cancerous tumor.

- **Thyroid tissue sample:** The doctor takes a sample of the enlarged tissue using a very thin needle, and the sample is examined in the laboratory to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

**Degrees of hypothyroidism**

Degrees of hypothyroidism are divided into three categories:

1. **Mild hypothyroidism**: At this stage, the patient does not show any symptoms, and the levels of T3 and T4 hormones in the tests are normal, while the TSH test shows a slightly high level.

2. **Moderate hypothyroidism**: In this case, the patient suffers from symptoms of hypothyroidism, which requires taking treatment in specific doses determined by the doctor.

3. **Severe hypothyroidism**: In this case, the patient may need to be hospitalized, due to the appearance of serious skin symptoms such as swelling of the face and tongue, eyelids, or lips, or increased skin thickness in any area of ​​the body, especially in the lower extremities.

**Psychological Symptoms of Hypothyroidism**

A deficiency in thyroid hormones causes psychological symptoms in some patients, such as:

- Mood swings.

- Depression.

- Difficulties with memory and concentration.

**Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Men**

Men suffer from the symptoms mentioned above, in addition to sexual problems such as low libido and erectile dysfunction.

**Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Women**

Women are more susceptible to this condition, and suffer from the same symptoms as above, in addition to low libido, irregular menstrual cycles and increased menstrual flow.

**Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Children and Infants**

 

Some infants can be born with thyroid problems, while some may be born without it at all. The following are the most important symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism:

- Jaundice, which is manifested by yellowing of the skin, eyes, urine and stool.

- Enlarged tongue.

- Difficulty breathing.

- Excessive sleep.

- Muscle weakness.

- Umbilical hernia.

- Constipation.

- Growth problems and short stature.

- Delayed growth of permanent teeth.

- Mental retardation.

- Delayed puberty.

**Symptoms of hypothyroidism**

Symptoms of hypothyroidism appear in several different signs, the most prominent of which are:

- Feeling tired and exhausted.

- General weakness in the body.

- Constant drowsiness.

- Decline in academic performance.

- Weight gain.

- Excessive sensitivity to cold.

- Muscle and joint pain.

- Memory problems and forgetfulness.

- Excessive hair loss.

- Frequent constipation.

- Heavy bleeding during menstruation.

- Fertility difficulties.

- Mood swings.

- Feeling depressed.

- Hearing loss.

- Dry skin and hair.

- Blurred vision.

- Hoarseness.

- Decreased appetite.

- Sweating in the palms of the hands.

- Slow speech.

- Swelling of the face and around the eyes.

Slow movement and edema in the legs.

Older people with hypothyroidism may have additional symptoms, such as decreased brain function, which is very similar to dementia.

During a physical examination, the doctor may also notice the following signs and symptoms:

- Enlargement of the thyroid gland.

- Slow pulse.

- Dry skin.

- Slow reactions.

- Pale skin color with a tendency to yellow.

- High blood pressure.

Laboratory tests may also reveal anemia, low blood sodium levels, and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

What are the advantages of using interventional radiology to treat benign thyroid tumors?

 

Interventional radiology in the treatment of goiter is characterized by its ability to preserve andThe functions of the gland necessary for the body.

- Interventional radiology has achieved a high success rate of about 90% in treating thyroid tumors, as the size of the gland decreases by 35-50% within 3 months, and the rate can reach 60-70% within 6 months, which leads to a significant improvement in symptoms.

- Interventional radiology is also less painful.

- The patient does not need a long recovery period, as the operation takes only 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, which means that the patient does not need to stay in the hospital, but can leave after two hours.

**Treatment of goiter without surgery**

Treatment of goiter without surgery has become easy with Professor Dr. Osama Hatta, thanks to the interventional radiology technique and radiofrequency needles. The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting three main hormones:

1. **Calcitonin**: which regulates calcium levels in the blood.

2. **Thyroxine hormone T4**: which contributes to regulating the digestive process and heart rate, and enhances bone health.

3. **Triiodothyronine hormone T3**: which regulates the body's burning rates and metabolic rate, and helps control the body's various muscles.

**Treatment of thyroid enlargement using interventional radiology**

 

When feeling enlargement or any other symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately to determine the cause and obtain appropriate treatment. With the advancement of medical and scientific research, interventional radiology has become an important role in treating benign tumors, not malignant tumors, through the radiofrequency ablation technique. The doctor inserts a thin needle, about 2 mm in diameter, through the skin using ultrasound to accurately locate the enlargement in the gland. This needle is connected to a radiofrequency wave generator, where the enlargement is cauterized, which leads to its cells being converted into dormant cells, thus gradually decreasing in size until they disappear. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and takes only about 15 minutes. The patient can leave the hospital after two hours, and return to work and normal activity the day after the operation.

The patient's condition is monitored periodically using ultrasound every month for six consecutive months, to ensure that the tumor size is gradually shrinking.

**Can hyperthyroidism be cured?**

 

Hyperthyroidism can be treated in several ways, depending on the patient's condition, as the doctor determines the most appropriate treatment for each case individually. Among the methods of treating hyperthyroidism are:

- **Drug therapy:** The doctor may prescribe some medications that reduce the amount of hormones secreted by the thyroid gland, which helps to gradually relieve symptoms. Drug treatment continues for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months, and the thyroid gland may return to activity after stopping treatment.

- **Radioactive iodine therapy:** In some cases, this treatment can lead to shrinkage of the thyroid gland, which requires taking replacement medications in the event of deficiency or inactivity of the gland.

- **Thyroidectomy:** This surgery may affect the vocal cords and parathyroid gland functions, and the patient continues to take replacement medications for life after surgery.

- **Interventional radiology:** This technique is used to target the affected parts of the thyroid gland, causing it to shrink and restore its functions.

**Treatment of hypothyroidism in women and men**

Tablets containing the hormone levothyroxine are prescribed for patients suffering from hypothyroidism.

The doctor determines the appropriate dose based on the patient's response, so it is recommended to conduct an analysis every two months at most. Treatment often starts with a low dose and then increases it gradually.

It is preferable to take the medication daily at the same time and on an empty stomach, while avoiding eating anything for half an hour after that, as many foods and medications may affect the absorption of levothyroxine.

Levothyroxine is available in pharmacies under several trade names, including:

- Eltroxin

- Euthyrox

- Thyroxin

- T4 thyro

**Treatment of hypothyroidism in newborns**

Hypothyroidism in newborns should be treated immediately after birth to avoid serious complications. They are treated with levothyroxine as mentioned above, and when using tablets, they should be dissolved in water and given to the infant with breast milk or formula.

**Treatment of hypothyroidism through nutrition**

There is no diet that can replace drug treatment for hypothyroidism patients, but patients are advised to eat foods rich in iodine, which is usually found in table salt.

A balanced diet rich in nutrients can contribute to improving overall health, supporting the maintenance of a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of diseases associated with hypothyroidism, such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you can include the following nutritious foods in your diet:

- Non-starchy vegetables such as zucchini and spinach.

- Fruits such as berries, apples, peaches, grapes, and citrus fruits.

- Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas.

- Fish, eggs, meat, and poultry.

- Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, and full-fat yogurt.

- Gluten-free grains such as brown rice, oats, and quinoa.

- Seeds and nuts such as almonds and cashews.

**Hypothyroidism treatment with herbs**

Although herbs cannot directly treat hypothyroidism, some may contribute to supporting the health of the gland and the body in general. The most prominent of these herbs are:

- **ha)**: Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia and stress.

- **Ginger**: Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, and also contributes to weight loss and reducing blood fat levels.

- **Black cumin**: Contains plant compounds that may improve the condition of the thyroid gland, especially in people with Hashimoto's disease.

- **Agarwood**: Contains antioxidants that may help fight thyroid cancer and inflammation.