Hypothyroidism is the long and persistent lack of the thyroid hormone which is the most common disease of the glands. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is established on the basis of studying hormone levels. Typically, hypothyroidism is defined by TSH level increase and decrease in T4. The especially dangerous congenital hypothyroidism, in which, if treatment is not begun in a timely manner, there are irreversible changes in intelligence which can subsequently lead to severe mental retardation.
For early detection of hypothyroidism in all newborns, the first 4-5 days of life at the hospital is started with a study of the TSH level. There is primary and secondary hypothyroidism, congenital and acquired. The highest prevalence of primary hypothyroidism is hypothyroidism, which can develop as a result of the destruction of the thyroid gland.
Causes of hypothyroidism
The cause of the decrease in thyroid function may be due to many factors. Primary hypothyroidism may be due to genetic defects of the thyroid or autoimmune or inflammatory systems. Hypothyroidism can also occur due to the lack of iodine in diet and water. Secondary hypothyroidism is associated with the dysfunction of the pituitary gland, which secretes a hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland.
In the first place in a long chain of causes of hypothyroidism, there are disorders in hormonal levels that occur as a result of disorders of the immune system, which may be inherited and triggered by trauma, long-term stress. Other causes of hypothyroidism are surgical interventions on the thyroid gland and radioactive iodine treatment.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism
The deceitfulness of this disease lies in the fact that for a long time the disease has a character not shown, mild symptoms, which are often regarded as the result of fatigue or complications from other diseases. And, nevertheless, the individual symptoms of hypothyroidism are namely:
- fatigue,
- apathy,
- weakness,
- loss of appetite,
- swelling of the face (particularly the eyelids),
- swelling of the limbs,
- dry skin,
- weight gain,
- memory loss
- constipation,
- poor tolerance of the cold
None of these symptoms are specific to hypothyroidism, and therefore the correct diagnosis can often not be specified for a long time.
Treatment of hypothyroidism
Until the mid-20th century, the treatment of hypothyroidism patients received thyroid extract from animals. But I would like to draw your attention to Tom Brimeyer’s manual. His guide shows one of the most effective methods of treatment of hypothyroidism from home. The eBook can be downloaded at the link at the bottom of the page. If hypothyroidism is not treated, the patient’s condition deteriorates.
Untreated hypothyroidism in children leads to irreversible stunted growth, physical and mental development. The elderly can develop severe, often fatal complications. Prevention of hypothyroidism is in compliance with the diet that provides an adequate intake of iodine in the body and timely treatment of thyroid diseases.
The Hypothyroidism Revolution by Tom Brimeyer
