What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism arises when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, leading to a sluggish metabolism and associated symptoms. This shortage in thyroid hormones can cause body functions to decelerate. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can escalate to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and cardiovascular issues.
Causes of Hypothyroidism:
The predominant cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly identifies thyroid enzymes as threats and attacks them, thereby reducing thyroid activity. This is known as autoimmune thyroiditis and can manifest as Hashimoto’s or atrophic thyroiditis.
Interestingly, thyroiditis, which can lead to hyperthyroidism, is also a cause of hypothyroidism. How? In thyroiditis, if stored hormones leak rapidly, introducing a large amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, it results in a hyperthyroid phase. This is then succeeded by hypothyroidism as the thyroid hormone reserves deplete, rendering the gland underactive.
Other triggers include surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid, being born with the condition (congenital hypothyroidism), a malfunctioning pituitary gland, and undergoing radiation treatment. Additionally, imbalances in iodine intake can affect the gland’s stability. Importantly, hypothyroidism can also result from the misuse of thyroid medications.
Naturopathic doctors prioritize understanding the underlying cause and tailoring thyroid treatments to individual needs. Recognizing that one size doesn’t fit all, we offer customized treatments based on specific triggers like nutritional deficits, autoimmune responses, or other factors, ensuring the approach is optimized for each patient.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms:
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Cold sensitivity
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain accompanied by facial puffiness
- High cholesterol levels in the blood
- Muscle discomfort, soreness, and rigidity
- Irregular menstruation
- Hair thinning
- Decelerated heart rate
- Depression
- Memory challenges
- An enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter (common to both hyper and hypothyroidism)
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