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SO… HOW ARE YOU?
OH… MY MIND & BODY ARE
STUCK IN 'POWERSAVER' MODE!
Hypothyroidism is an underactivity of the thyroid resulting in too little production of thyroid hormone. Although it may be caused by a variety of diseases that affect the liver, hypothalamus and pituitary gland, this condition is most frequently due to disorders of the thyroid gland itself.
Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormone leads to a general slowing of all physical and mental processes. There is a general depression of most cellular enzyme systems and oxidative processes, and metabolic activity of all cells of the body decreases, reducing oxygen consumption, decreasing oxidation of nutrients for energy and producing less body heat.
The signs and symptoms resulting from the slowing of metabolism, range from non-specific complaints to very severe symptoms that are life-threatening if unrecognized and untreated. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may be absent, subtle, or overt. Furthermore, some patients may manifest one or two symptoms which are very disturbing while minimizing or not experiencing the gamut of other potential symptoms. Obtaining a complete history is the only way to assess the magnitude of symptoms present. Similarly, a detailed physical examination may elicit findings not otherwise readily apparent. It is the detection of these abnormalities and their appreciation, that separates the expert diagnostician from the ordinary physician.
Symptoms include: fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance of cold temperatures, marked decline in memory and all cognitive functions, weight gain (typically in mid-section of the body) despite a diminishing appetite. These systmoms may go unnoticed or may be attributed to other conditions such as stress, depression, or overwork. Symptoms worsen and become more obvious with time: the pulse slows (bradycardia); the skin becomes cool, dry and coarse (and may show edema of the face and extremities); muscle cramping, muscle ache; puffiness about the eyes; deteriorating vision, hearing loss; brittle hair, and hair loss; hoarse voice; persistent cough; acid reflux; sluggish reflexes and delay in the relaxation phase of deep tendon reflexes may be found.
Sufferers experience irritability, mood change, depression and personality changes simulating psychiatric illness, decreased libido and incidences of psychosis. The thyroid gland may enlarge. The metabolism of alcohol is less rapid; the threshold of impairment may also be altered downward and its effects intensified.
Untreated, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will usually progress. Rarely, complications can result in severe life-threatening depression, heart failure or coma.
Treatment of hypothyroidism is normally straight-forward: thyroid hormone is prescribed as pure synthetic thyroxine (T4). Gradually increasing doses of thyroxine are given until the blood levels of T4 and TSH are both in the normal range. Once the proper dosage of medication is achieved, the patient should feel completely well and be free of hypothyroid symptoms. Aging and diet may reduce the requirements and the dosage may need to be adjusted downward. There is some evidence in animal research that hypothyroidism is beneficial in the treatment of certain types of liver cirrhosis.
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