The clinical term for an underactive thyroid refers to hypothyroidism. It means your thyroid gland is not producing an adequate amount of hormones. Both under-active and overactive thyroid disorders are alarming for health. And since these are long-standing conditions, lifelong health management is important.
You may not identify you have underlying hypothyroidism early on. The problem comes to light when the disorder turns further advanced. Do not shudder. Did you know a healthy lifestyle works great for thyroid disorder care? Yes, it provides help to a great extent. Get guidance from the leading consultant general physician in Siliguri.
What are the signs of hypothyroidism?
Early-stage signs of an underactive thyroid may include fatigue or weight gain. Other signs and symptoms can be:
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Sensitivity to cold
- Depression
- Impaired memory
- Hair thinning, dry hair
- Decreased sweating
- Thyroid gland enlargement
- Hoarseness
- Slowed heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness, muscle aches
- Irregular, heavier menstrual periods
- Increased bad cholesterol levels
- Joint pain
Not everyone with hypothyroidism may have all such signs. But if you notice any of such signs or these signs are ongoing, make sure to consult a doctor. Early health evaluation under a medical expert reduces the risk of complications ahead. Connect with the best general physician in Siliguri.
Many a factor puts one at risk of hypothyroidism, such as – being female, age over 60, recent pregnancy, past radiation therapy to the neck, thyroid gland surgery, or a family history of hypothyroidism, especially in first-degree relatives. You cannot sometimes avoid the risk factors. But you can follow a healthy lifestyle so as to keep health concerns at bay.
Knowing the complications of hypothyroidism
Untreated hypothyroidism is associated with a number of health complications. The following are some of those:
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Goiter. An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by thyroid gland inflammation or iodine deficiency, leading to swallowing or breathing difficulty, snoring, cough, hoarseness, et al.
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Mental health concerns. With poorly managed hypothyroidism, the risk of mental health complications like depression, or anxiety increases by three times.
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Heart problems. Increased levels of LDL/bad cholesterol deposits may result in heart disease over time. The chance of heart failure is also there.
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Peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is nerve damage. Poorly treated underactive thyroid disorder can be responsible for affecting peripheral nerve damage, leading to pain, tingling sensation, and weakness in the target region.
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Infertility. Hypothyroidism can interfere with ovulation accounts for pregnancy in females. In males, it may cause reduced sperm morphology (size and shape of sperm).
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Pregnancy risks. Stillbirth, low birth weight, anemia, preeclampsia, birth defects, and miscarriage are complications here. Controlling an underactive thyroid through medical guidance and lifestyle choices prevents such risks.
Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes can put you at risk. In many cases, patients have both such conditions. Consulting the best consultant physician and diabetologist can be of great help. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism may include blood tests, knowing your symptoms, etc.
The most common treatment plan is prescribing synthetic thyroid meds depending on the extremity of the problem. If there’s diabetes or heart disease, doctors ensure specific treatment goals for that. For infertility, medical experts ensure different guidance. Talk to your doctor and receive optimum healing.
General physician:Blogrind.com
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