Thyroid hormone is produced by thyroid gland. When the gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone required by the body, it results in condition called hypothyroidism.
Low thyroid levels are found in hypothyroidism.
The three thyroid hormones TSH, T3, T4 are known as thyroid markers for its normal function.
High TSH with low T4 and T3 are diagnostic of primary hypothyroidism.
Women are more prone to low thyroid hormone level than men. The causes of hypothyroidism are similar in both men and women.
Hypothyroidism:
- An individual with diminished secretion of the thyroid hormone suffers from hypothyroidism. The clinical features that become apparent are – coldness or lowered body temperature, sluggishness, dry skin, rough skin and scanty hair growth.In more serious cases, there occurs, a typical skin thickening, a condition called myxedema.
- Fortunately, management of a case of hypothyroidism, and the deficient production of the thyroid hormone in an individual, can be done by replacing the normal amounts of the hormone in the body.
Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders:
- An assessment of the hormones T3, T4 and TSH, gives a clear and definite picture.
- Individuals suspected for thyroid problems are investigated and examined by the physician / endocrinologist. Detail about the symptom history and manifestations is accessed and the thyroid gland is examined for signs of enlargement or irregularity.
Causes Of Hypothyroidism
- Idiopathic primary hypothyroidism
- Iodine deficiency
- Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis
- Defects of thyroid hormone synthesis due to hereditary cause.
- Surgery of thyroid gland.
- Drugs: lithium and contrast medium containing iodine.
- Post radioactive iodine therapy for Graves’ disease.
- Ectopic thyroid.
- Pituitary or hypothalamic disorders such as tumor, hemorrhage or autoimmune disease.
Low Thyroid Hormone Levels Symptoms
- Dry hair and skin
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Anxiety and panic attacks.
- Low libido in men
- Delayed menses in women or amenorrhea.
Treatment For Low Thyroid Levels
- The goal is replacement therapy by hormones which are necessary for normal functioning of thyroid gland. Your doctor will prescribe the replacement therapy.
- Iodine rich food are fish such as haddock, cod fish, eggs, condensed milk, jaffa cakes, cheddar cheese, kelp, fish oil, sea salt, iodized salt.
- Green leafy vegetables, almonds and walnuts, milk and egg whites.
TSH is very sensitive to thyroxine levels and is an index of adequacy of therapy. Hence regular monitoring of TSH level after two to three months is necessary.
- Related Topics
- Thyroid Deficiency Symptoms: Causes And Treatment Of Hypothyroidism
- Low Thyroid Function Symptoms: Treatment And Diet For Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism Symptoms, Home Remedies, TSH Levels | Hypothyroid Diet
- Hypothyroidism | Causes | Clinical features and Diagnosis for Thyroid Gland Disorders
- Low Thyroid Levels During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
