Hypothyroidism

Overview

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough hormone. The thyroid is located at the bottom, in the front of the neck. It gently surrounds the trachea and produces important hormones that regulate metabolism, which in turn, has an effect on all of the body’s organs. The two hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland are T3 and T4. 

Is hypothyroidism an autoimmune disease?

An autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto’s disease, is one of the causes of hypothyroidism. Autoimmune disease is when a body produces antibodies that attack its own cells. In the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the affected organ is the thyroid, leading to a destruction of thyroid cells. In fact, Hashimoto’s disease leads to about 90% of cases of hypothyroidism.

Can hypothyroidism be cured?

While an inflammation of the thyroid can sometimes lead to transient hyper or hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism cannot be cured with medication.  Fortunately, it is easily treatable with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.  An individual taking replacement hormones can maintain normal levels of T3 and T4.

Causes

What are the causes of hypothyroidism?

There are several reasons why a person develops hypothyroidism. Below are a few:

  • Autoimmune disease: Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks its own thyroid cells. Destruction of the cells in the thyroid gland then leads to a deficiency in thyroid hormone secretion, or hypothyroidism. 
  • Treating an overly active thyroid: some people may need to be treated for hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too much hormone. Sometimes treating hyperthyroidism can lead to destruction of the thyroid gland or oversuppression which leads to hypothyroidism.
  • Thyroid removal: surgical removal of the thyroid may be required to treat thyroid nodules, or cancer. This may also lead to hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism at birth: although rare, some babies are born without a thyroid, or with a defective thyroid.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary from person to person. Below are some common symptoms of hypothyroidism:

  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Low energy
  • Weight gain
  • Dry skin
  • Constipation
  • Thinning hair
  • Depression

Diagnosis

How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?

Blood tests are required to diagnose hypothyroidism. Your doctor will check hormone levels, such as TSH, T3, and T4 to make sure they are all within the normal range. In addition to blood tests, your doctor may also ask if you have been experiencing the common symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Treatment

How is hypothyroidism treated?

Treating hypothyroidism is simple. A daily intake of oral medications, primarily Levothyroxine, can help replenish the low levels of thyroid hormone and treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The duration of the treatment is most likely lifelong, however, the dosage can always be adjusted throughout treatment and will require blood work every 6-12 months.

Sources

Mayo clinic. (2020, November 19). Hypothyroidism – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284

Book an Appointment

Information

Medically reviewed by:

Stuart Seigel, MD

Dr. Seigel is a board certified Endocrinologist. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the University Of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2011 and 2013. Dr. Seigel was then in private practice in Seattle, WA for 4 years before moving to southern California in 2017 where he continued to work in private practice and became a certified instructor in Mindful Based Eating.

Dr. Seigel believes in a comprehensive approach to chronic illness, such as diabetes, and understands the importance of treating the whole person. As a diabetes specialist, he recognizes the day to day challenges of disease management that go beyond simple medical compliance. Outside of work, Dr. Seigel is an amateur photographer and enjoys exploring the beauty California has to offer.