Are there different types of hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone to meet the body’s needs.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. The thyroid hormones it produces control how the body uses energy, which is why it affects almost every organ, including the way the heart beats. Without enough thyroid hormones, many of the body’s functions slow down.

There are two types of hypothyroidism, based on the cause for which it arises:

Primary. It is caused by a thyroid disease.

Secondary. It is caused by a disease in the hypothalamus or pituitary.

It is also possible that hypothyroidism is congenital, that is, it occurs at birth.

Certain medications to treat heart problems, cancer or bipolar disorder can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone and cause hypothyroidism.

It is estimated that, in the United States alone, 5 out of every 100 people have hypothyroidism, although in many cases it is a mild form, without presenting problems.

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism has many symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• problems tolerating cold
• joint and muscle pain
• dry skin, or dry and weakened hair
• heavy or irregular menstrual periods or fertility problems
• slow heart rate
• depression

Hypothyroidism is more common in women and people older than 50 years .

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis, which occurs when swelling and inflammation damage the cells of the thyroid gland.

Diagnosis

To make a diagnosis, the prof health services:

• Will consider medical history, including questions about symptoms
• Will do a physical exam
• Can perform thyroid tests, such as p test for TSH, T3, T4. . and blood test for thyroid antibodies
• Imaging tests such as a thyroid exam, ultrasound or radioactive iodine absorption test, which measures the amount of radioactive iodine that thyroid absorbs from the blood after swallowing a small amount

Treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated with a hormone replacement drug that the thyroid itself cannot produce. The dose of this medicine known as levothyroxine will be adjusted depending on the person.