Primary hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes and diagnosis
Within the different types of hypothyroidism what can happen when they exist thyroid problems, Primary hypothyroidism is a disease caused by an alteration in the functioning of the thyroid gland that can affect all bodily functions. Due to this alteration the thyroid does not secrete the necessary hormones that influence the metabolism so the metabolism is altered and it becomes slower.
Unlike secondary hypothyroidism, which occurs when it comes from a malfunctioning hypothalamus or hypophysis, in the case of primary hypothyroidism It is a condition caused by a problem of the thyroid gland itself.
The thyroid is the gland responsible for secreting thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 which influence the proper functioning of the metabolism. This gland is located in the neck more specifically below the larynx.
Primary hypothyroidism is a condition that is considered very common and that usually affects the female population, women who are already going through menopause or who are already in this stage and also to the elderly.
There are even occasions in which after pregnancy some women can develop hypothyroidism, reaching a percentage of women between 5 and 20%, this hypothyroidism is known by the name of postpartum thyroiditis.
The main causes of primary hypothyroidism
Among the causes that could cause primary hypothyroidism highlights the congenital factor, although it can also develop during the course of life.
Other causes that could cause its appearance are:
- Iodine deficiency
- Have received treatment with radioactive iodine.
- Radiation therapy sessions or radiation.
- The intake of some medications.
- Having an autoimmune disease
- Diabetes.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Lupus.
- After having undergone some thyroid operation.
- The intake of some drugs such as iodine, interferon, lithium.
Know what are the symptoms associated with this condition
The symptoms associated with primary hypothyroidism are those described below, as you can see with a medical examination or physical examination it is easy to suspect that we might be suffering from this disease.
For that reason we advise that if you have any of these symptoms do not hesitate to go to your doctor to make a good review.
And what are those symptoms? We reveal them to you next:
- The metabolism becomes slower.
- Weight gain.
- Physical and mental fatigue.
- Bradycardia (the heart rate slows down, slows down)
- Low blood pressure.
- Low body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation.
- Discouragement.
- Joint pains
- Muscle cramps.
- Swelling of arms and legs.
- Lack of reflexes while the test is performed to check reflections.
- Hair loss
Medical tests to detect primary hypothyroidism
As we have said before with any suspicion go to your doctor and tell him the symptoms that you are suffering.
Among the possible tests that could be done to detect primary hypothyroidism are laboratory tests in which an analysis is performed to measure the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone TSH in the blood and of free thyroxine T4-L.
The treatment that is usually applied to treat primary hypothyroidism are medications indicated to replace thyroid hormone deficiency. Once the treatment is started, it is usually lifelong and may relapse if the treatment is interrupted. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
