Are you tired all the time, losing hair, and gaining weight for no reason? You may have an underactive thyroid. This is a common problem that can be treated with medication. In this post, we’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid, as well as how it is diagnosed and treated. 

 

What is underactive thyroid called?

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces less thyroxine than normal. This can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and muscle weakness. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medication.

 

What causes underactive thyroid?

There are a number of possible causes of an underactive thyroid, including:

 

– autoimmune disease

– inflammation of the thyroid gland

– certain medications

– radiation therapy

– congenital defects

– pituitary tumors.

 

An underactive thyroid can also be caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot function properly.

 

Is an underactive thyroid an underlying health condition?

There are many possible underlying health conditions that can lead to an underactive thyroid. These include autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease, certain infections, and certain medications.

 

Underlying health conditions can also make it more difficult for the thyroid gland to function properly. If you suspect that you may have an underlying health condition that is causing your underactive thyroid, it is important to see a doctor so that you can receive proper treatment.

 

Is underactive thyroid an autoimmune disease?

There is no one definitive answer to this question as autoimmune diseases can vary greatly in their presentation and underlying causes. However, some research suggests that autoimmune thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, may be a contributing factor in some cases of underactive thyroid.

 

This condition is thought to occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to decreased thyroid hormone production. While more research is needed to confirm a definitive link between autoimmune thyroiditis and underactive thyroid, it is important to speak with your doctor if you suspect you may have an autoimmune condition.

What are the symptoms of an underactive thyroid?

The most common symptoms of underactive thyroid are related to decreasing activity or deficiency of the thyroid hormones to work on the various organ systems, such as;

 

– fatigue

– weakness

– weight gain

– constipation

– depression

– thinning hair

– cold intolerance

 

An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, weight gain, constipation, depression, thinning hair, and cold intolerance. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause a host of other problems, including heart disease and infertility.

 

Why does an underactive thyroid cause weight gain?

There are a few reasons why an underactive thyroid can lead to weight gain. First of all, when your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, your metabolism slows down. This means that you’ll burn fewer calories throughout the day and end up storing more fat.

 

Additionally, an underactive thyroid can cause water retention, which can also add to weight gain. Finally, people with an underactive thyroid may also have trouble digesting food properly, which can lead to weight gain over time.

 

Why does underactive thyroid make you tired?

Fatigue is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. It can be caused by a number of factors, including anemia (a decreased production of red blood cells), sleep disorders, and depression. The fatigue associated with hypothyroidism can be debilitating and may make it difficult to carry out everyday activities.

 

Why does underactive thyroid cause constipation?

There are many possible reasons why someone with an underactive thyroid may experience constipation. One reason may be that the thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate the body’s metabolism, and when the thyroid is not functioning properly, the body’s metabolism can slow down.

 

This can lead to constipation because the digestive system may not be able to break down food as efficiently. Another possibility is that low levels of thyroid hormone can affect the muscles in the intestine, making it difficult for them to contract and move food through the digestive tract.

Why does underactive thyroid cause joint pain?

There are a few reasons why underactive thyroid (or hypothyroidism) can cause joint pain. One reason is that low levels of thyroid hormones can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints. Additionally, low thyroid hormone levels can interfere with the body’s ability to produce collagen, which is a protein that helps keep joints healthy and strong.

 

Joints may become more vulnerable to pain and other problems when there is less collagen present. Finally, people with hypothyroidism may be more likely to develop arthritis, which is another condition that can cause joint pain.

 

Can an underactive thyroid cause hair loss?

Yes, an underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. This is because the thyroid gland produces hormones that play a role in hair growth. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to a decrease in hormone production, which can, in turn, cause hair loss.

 

How do you diagnose an underactive thyroid?

There are a few different ways to diagnose an underactive thyroid. The most common way is through a blood test called the TSH test. This measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood. If this hormone is high, it usually means that the thyroid is not working properly.

 

Other tests that may be used to diagnose an underactive thyroid include the free T4 test and the free T3 test. These tests measure the levels of thyroxine and triiodothyronine in your blood. If these hormones are low, it usually indicates that the thyroid is not working properly.

How do you treat an underactive thyroid?

The most common form of treatment for an underactive thyroid is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones, which are identical to the hormones produced by your body, in order to supplement the levels that are not being produced naturally.

 

This can be taken in the form of a pill, skin patch, or gel. In some cases, doctors may also recommend surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland.

 

Drugs to treat an underactive thyroid

There are a number of different drugs that can be used to treat an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. The most common and effective medications include levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint, Unithroid), liothyronine (Cytomel), and liotrix (Thyrolar).

 

Other potential treatments include natural desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, Westhroid), synthetic T3 medication (liothyronine or Cytomel), and thyroid hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy may be recommended.

 

The best course of treatment will vary from person to person and will be determined by factors such as the severity of hypothyroidism, the cause of the condition, and any other underlying health conditions.

 

If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it is important to work with your doctor to find the treatment that is right for you.

 

Which doctor treats underactive thyroid?

There are a few different types of doctors who may be able to treat an underactive thyroid, depending on the underlying cause. If the condition is due to a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, then a neuroendocrinologist may be able to provide treatment.

 

If the condition is due to an autoimmune disorder, then an internal medicine specialist or endocrinologist may be able to provide treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the thyroid gland if it is enlarged or causing other problems.

Can underactive thyroid be managed online?

Yes, underactive thyroid can be managed online through telemedicine. This is a great option for those who live in rural areas or do not have access to a thyroid specialist. Telemedicine allows you to consult with a specialist from the comfort of your own home. You can discuss your symptoms, and treatment options and get the care you need without having to travel.

 

In The VIOS Clinic, we have a curated network of Internal Medicine Specialists who can help manage your thyroid hormone imbalance using simple telemedicine consults. Click on any of the profile images below to know more about them.