If your metabolism is slow, you may have hypothyroidism

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The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the front of our neck produces thyroid hormones that see the conductor for our metabolism. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism, growth and energy production of all cells in our body. The thyroid gland produces and stores the t3 and t4 hormones for these effects and delivers the necessary amount to the blood. Inadequate functioning of the thyroid gland or inadequate production of the necessary hormones for the body is called hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism symptoms

Although the symptoms seen in hypothyroidism vary from person to person, slowing in metabolism, weakness and fatigue are seen in every patient. On the other hand, depending on the degree of hormone deficiency, the severity of the symptoms may differ.

If we list the symptoms of hypothyroidism;

Weakness, tiredness
Sensitivity to cold
Dry skin
Constipation
Increase in weight
Swelling of the face, hands and feet
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
High cholesterol level
Pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the muscles
Pain, stiffness or swelling in joints
Irregular period
Fine brittle hair and hair loss
Nail problems
Slow heart rate
Poor memory
An enlarged thyroid gland
Depression
Balance and coordination problems
Hearing problems
Loss of libido
Anemia
Decreased sweating
Insomnia
Growth and developmental delay in children, mental retardation, delay in puberty.

Causes of hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland may not be able to produce the necessary hormones for the body for many different reasons. Hashimoto's disease, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland and develops as a result of the damage of the immune system to the thyroid gland. Although the exact cause of Hashimoto's disease is not known, it is thought that genetic and some environmental factors (gluten sensitivity, selenium deficiency, etc.) may be effective.

Iodine is a mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones, and in case of deficiency, hypothyroidism may develop. Since the soils in our country are poor in iodine, the iodine ratio in the products grown is low. For this reason, salts are iodized as a precaution to iodine deficiency in our country. On the other hand, it should be kept in mind that too much iodine consumption may cause hypothyroidism.

Adequate thyroid hormone cannot be produced as a result of removal of the thyroid gland as a result of thyroid surgeries or removal of the thyroid gland as a result of neck surgeries.

Due to hyperthyroidism (overworking of the thyroid), some people may be damaged by antithyroid drugs and radioactive iodine therapy, and the thyroid gland may be damaged and hormone production may decrease, in these cases hypothyroidism may develop.

In patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck tumors, the thyroid gland may be damaged and the production of the necessary hormone for the body may be interrupted.

Some drugs, especially some psychiatric drugs, can cause hypotriodia by damaging the thyroid gland.

Congenitally, some babies may not have thyroid gland development, and these people may experience very serious health problems if hypothyroidism is not detected early after birth.

The pituitary gland secretes TSH, a hormone that stimulates and balances the production of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism may develop in diseases and operations related to the pituitary gland.

During pregnancy, the immune system deviates from its normal flow from time to time and produces antibodies against the thyroid gland, and this may cause hypothyroidism. It is recommended that people with pregnancy thought should have thyroid tests before pregnancy, as well as monitoring their thyroid hormones during pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism treatment

Hypothyroidism treatment is performed by giving the patient thyroid hormone support. For this purpose, a drug called levothyroxine is used. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach and nothing should be eaten and other drugs should not be used for half an hour after taking the drug. Drug dosage should be regulated under the supervision of a doctor.

Thyroid hormone medication may need to be regulated in women with pregnancy thought. In addition, more frequent follow-ups are recommended during pregnancy, unlike normal.

In cases of hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency, iodine supplements and iodine-rich foods are recommended.