I recently met an author in the clinic, who complained of a complete loss of creativity and ability to produce good work. He suffered from writer’s block. He was distraught. He repeatedly used the words ‘this is not me’.
A female artist told me that her ability to draw has been severely affected in the last few months. Another lady complained of significant weight gain over the last year despite good dietary behavior and regular exercise. She only had basic blood tests done and was made to feel that this was her own mistake and that a further correction in lifestyle was required.An elderly lady complained about dizziness and recurrent falls with loss of consciousness. A young man complained of extreme lethargy after half a day’s of work. He said that despite sleeping 8 to 10 hours daily, he ‘wakes up tired’.
Hypothyroidism
All these people had one thing in common, an underactive thyroid. The thyroid is a gland located in the lower part of the neck. It produces two hormones which are T4 and T3. These hormones control metabolism in nearly all major organs of the body. It is vital that the secretion of hormones is at a normal level. Any imbalance of hormones whether temporary or permanent can affect the function of organs and present with wide-ranging symptoms.Thyroid hormone receptors are present in the heart, brain, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, etc.
Hypothyroidism is a state where the thyroid gland is producing reduce amount of thyroxine (T4). This can be due to a temporary disorder like a post-inflammatory condition or rather a long-term condition like iodine deficiency or the body’s immune system reacting with the thyroid gland.Iodine is an essential part of daily dietary intake. It is recommended to take 150mcg of iodine per day. In Pregnancy, the requirement increases to 220mcg per day. Good sources of iodine include fish, shellfish, milk, yogurt, cheese, chicken, beef liver, iodized table salt, and fortified infant milk formula.
Symptoms. Symptoms related to underactive thyroid are generalized and variable. This may result in delays in patients seeking advice or the doctor doing the correct blood test. It is important to diagnose early as symptoms can be debilitating. The thyroid gland may enlarge which is visible as a swelling in the lower part of the neck. This is not just cosmetically unacceptable but may result in obstruction of the airway and obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms can be completely reversed with the replacement of hormones and necessary dietary changes. Most patients require Thyroxine(T4) while a minority may require Tri-iodothyronine (T3) as well. Both these hormones are available in the form of tablets. An enlarged thyroid compromising the airway necessitates surgery.
Cure. Patients taking thyroxine (T4) or (T3) need regular blood tests every few months to ensure levels are in the normal range. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the dose of thyroxine increases to cater to fetal requirements.
People can live a completely healthy and normal life with the treatment of Hypothyroidism.
