Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a common condition that occurs when the thyroid gland – the small, butterfly-shaped organ in the neck –doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential for regulating various body bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and other important functions.
At first, hypothyroidism may not cause any symptoms but over time it can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other issues. Left untreated, an underactive thyroid can contribute to other health issues like heart disease and high cholesterol.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can develop slowly and vary from person to person. The common symptoms of the condition may include:
- Hard stools or constipation
- Feelings of fatigue or tiredness
- Heavier and irregular menstrual periods
- Joint or muscle pain
- Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Puffy eyes and face or drooping eyelids
- Voice changes
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Memory problems
- Depression
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
The risk of hypothyroidism increases with age, but it can affect people at any stage of life. The common causes of the condition include:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid
- Radioactive iodine treatment to the head or neck
- Thyroid surgery
- Radiation therapy to the head or neck
- Certain medications that can interfere with the thyroid’s function
- Congenital, or inherited, conditions in which a baby is born with an underactive thyroid
- Low levels of hormone thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland dysfunction
- Iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed for the thyroid to function properly
How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hypothyroidism typically involves:
- A review of your medical history and symptoms
- A physical exam, including gently feeling your neck to see whether your thyroid gland is enlarged
- Blood tests to measure thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4)
These tests help determine how well your thyroid is functioning and guide treatment decisions.
Treatment for Hypothyroidism
The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is a daily thyroid hormone replacement medication like levothyroxine. This medication restores hormone levels and helps relieve symptoms.
Most people with hypothyroidism will likely need to take hormone replacement medication daily for the rest of their lives, although the dose of the medication may change over time.
Diet and Lifestyle Considerations
While there is no specific diet to treat hypothyroidism, you can support your health and treatment plan by:
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach
- Avoiding supplements – especially calcium supplements, iron supplements, and multivitamins that include iron – around the same time as your thyroid medication
Your doctor will give you specific guidance on when and how to take your medication and what foods or supplements to avoid or limit.
Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and her developing baby, which relies on the mother’s thyroid hormones during the first few months of development. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s especially important to manage your thyroid health to minimize any potential complications.
Uncontrolled hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to:
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Problems with brain development
- Developmental delays
- Congenital, or inherited, hypothyroidism
For pregnant women, uncontrolled hypothyroidism may increase the risk of:
- High blood pressure during pregnancy (gestational hypertension)
- Anemia
- Miscarriage
- Preeclampsia
- Stillbirth
Pregnant women with hypothyroidism will need more frequent monitoring to make sure hormone levels stay in a healthy range. If you’re pregnancy or trying to conceive and have a personal or family history of thyroid problems, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re feeling unusually tired, gaining weight, or are experiencing other signs of hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor about testing.
Schedule an Appointment
To make an appointment with a Cooper endocrinologist who specializes in treating hypothyroidism, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737) or use our online appointment request form.