Underactive thyroid, myxedema, or hypothyroidism affects millions of people, mainly women, in the US. It is a condition that cannot be prevented but, once diagnosed, can be successfully managed through the use of daily tablets. of hormones.
What is the thyroid and how does it become underactive?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found in the neck just in front of the windpipe, or windpipe, that produces thyroxine, the hormone that helps keep the body’s metabolism running at the correct level. If the thyroid cannot produce enough thyroxine, many of the body’s functions slow down. This can happen as a result of two things, the most common cause being an autoimmune disease (autoimmune thyroiditis), in which antibodies begin to attack the thyroid, affecting its ability to produce thyroxine. Scientists still don’t know exactly why this happens. The other cause, although less common, is when there is not enough of the thyroid gland left, either as a result of damage or surgery, to produce the necessary levels of thyroxine.
How is hypothyroidism treated?
Most people with hypothyroidism are offered hormone replacement therapy, which involves taking a daily dose of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. This is administered orally and works by restoring thyroxine to its normal level. By doing so, symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid, such as fatigue, can be quickly reversed.
This method of treatment has quick results, with most patients noticing an improvement in symptoms within a week or two, with an increase in energy levels usually being the first noticeable change. Hormone replacement is also capable of lowering cholesterol levels, and once the hormone levels are restored to normal, the excess weight gained is likely to begin to disappear.
How long will I have to take synthetic hormones?
Unfortunately, although levothyroxine is highly successful in controlling and reversing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it will not cure the condition. You will need to take your daily pills for the rest of your life and have yearly checkups to see if there are any changes in your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels that will affect the dose you receive.
What else can I do?
While there is no evidence to suggest that hypothyroidism can be controlled or reversed by diet, making sure you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods can help you prevent the development of conditions often associated with undiagnosed hypothyroidism. This includes foods that contain iodine, folate, and selenium, as well as those that contain high levels of B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds.