Hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. This disease can affect anyone, from infants to the elderly. However, hypothyroidism is more common in women over the age of 60.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. This gland functions to produce thyroid hormone which is useful for regulating the body's metabolism, keeping the body temperature warm, and supporting the performance of organs such as the brain, heart, and muscles.
However, sometimes the thyroid gland can be problematic so it can't produce enough thyroid hormone for the body. This condition is known as hypothyroidism.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Although the group that tends to experience hypothyroidism is women aged 60 years and over, in fact babies, children, and adolescents can also experience it.
At first, hypothyroid disease may have no symptoms. Symptoms of hypothyroidism also tend to develop slowly and gradually over months or maybe even years. As a result, people with hypothyroidism often do not realize that they are experiencing the condition.
If hypothyroidism is already showing symptoms, the complaints that arise can vary, according to the age of the sufferer. Here is the explanation:
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in babies
Hypothyroidism in babies can appear since he was born. There are several signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in babies, including the face looks swollen, the baby's tongue looks enlarged and protruding, the breath is panting, hoarse when crying, and the baby's skin is yellowish.
If not treated immediately, babies can experience constipation, difficulty feeding, sleepy constantly, cold hands and feet, and weak body muscles. Furthermore, hypothyroidism can also cause the baby to experience developmental disorders.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children, adolescents, and adults
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children, adolescents, and adults are generally the same. The following are some of the symptoms that can result from hypothyroidism:
- Often feel tired
- Heart rate is weaker or slower
- Constipation
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Weight gain
- Cholesterol in the blood rises
- Swollen face
- Muscle pain or joint pain
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Psychological problems, such as depression or mood (mood) which is easy to change
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are sometimes accompanied by delayed tooth growth and stunted growth. Meanwhile, the symptoms of hypothyroidism in adolescents are characterized by delayed puberty.
In adults, hypothyroidism can also cause other complaints, such as decreased libido or sexual desire, hair loss and brittleness, and dry skin. In women, hypothyroidism can also cause irregular periods or even more menstrual bleeding than usual.
Various Possible Causes of Hypothyroidism
There are several things or conditions that can cause hypothyroidism, including:
1. Side effects of certain drugs
Hypothyroidism can be caused by a side effect of medications, such as chemotherapy drugs for cancer, the heart drug amiodarone, and anti-seizure medications or medications to treat neurological disorders such as gabapentin, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.
In addition, other drugs such as lithium and the antituberculosis drug rifampicine can also cause side effects in the form of reduced thyroid hormone production.
2. Treatment of hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland is overactive, so you need to take medication to lower the activity of the thyroid gland. For example, by taking hyperthyroid drugs or doing radioactive therapy.
However, these medications can cause thyroid hormone production to decrease drastically. As a result, the thyroid will become underactive and lead to hypothyroidism.
3. Pregnancy
The reason why pregnancy can cause hypothyroidism is still not known for certain. However, during pregnancy, the thyroid gland sometimes becomes inflamed, resulting in an increase in thyroid hormone levels.
But after that, there will be a drastic decrease in thyroid hormone levels. It is at this stage that hypothyroidism occurs. However, you don't need to worry, because generally this condition will return to normal by itself.
4. Radiation therapy to the neck
Certain types of cancer require treatment in the form of radiation in the neck area. Radiation in this area damages the cells in the thyroid gland, thereby interfering with the production of thyroid hormones. As a result, the body also lacks these hormones.
5. Thyroid surgery
Thyroid surgery is the removal of the thyroid gland. If part of the gland is still present, thyroid hormone can still be produced. However, if all of the thyroid gland tissue has been removed, no more thyroid hormone can be produced. As a result, the body will lack this hormone.
6. Thyroid disorders from birth
Some babies are born with abnormalities in the thyroid gland, so that the production of thyroid hormone in the body is low. This condition is known as congenital hypothyroidism.
In this condition, the thyroid gland does not develop properly. Even if it develops, the ability to produce thyroid hormones is not perfect. Babies or adults who have had thyroid problems since birth are very likely to have hypothyroidism.
7. Iodine deficiency or excess
Iodine intake in the right amount is needed to maintain the balance of thyroid hormone production. Taking too much iodine can cause or worsen hypothyroidism.
So that you are not deficient in iodine, meet the body's need for this substance by consuming various sources of iodine, such as fish, dairy products, shellfish, and iodized table salt.
If you experience the various symptoms of hypothyroidism above, immediately consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause various health problems such as joint pain, heart disease, obesity, to infertility.
To determine whether you have hypothyroidism or not, your doctor can perform thyroid function tests. If the test results show that you really have hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone or medication to stimulate thyroid hormone production.
