Otherwise known as Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid is when the thyroid gland is failing to produce the required amount of hormones to function properly, this article will explore hypothyroidism, what symptoms it causes, and how it is diagnosed.
Causes of an Underactive Thyroid
Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones, certain conditions, such as Thyroiditis, which is causes by an inflamed gland, can trigger a release of stored hormones suddenly, resulting in a spike of activity, leading to the thyroid becoming underactive once it has passed. Similarly, there is an autoimmune disease called ‘Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis’ that causes an underactive thyroid, due to the immune system taking the tissues within the body.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause changes in thyroid function, potentially leading to an underactive thyroid, as the body produces more estrogen during this time, it can interfere with the body’s ability to use thyroid hormones effectively.
- Non-functioning thyroid gland: Alternatively know as thyroid agenesis, or thyroid dysgenesis, this is a rare condition where the thyroid gland fails to develop or function properly, leading to a deficiency in thyroid hormones.
- Iodine Deficiency: If the body is lacking the required amount of iodine, it will impact the process of the thyroid gland making hormones.
Symptoms
Hypothyroidism can manifest in a variety of ways, some that are less noticeable than other, here are some of the most common symptoms of an underactive thyroid that may indicate this condition:
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Sensitivity to cold
- Weight gain
- Aching muscles
- Dry hair and skin
Living with Hypothyroidism
When trying to manage an underactive thyroid in daily life, adopt a healthy and balanced diet, particularly rich with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, which will help support your thyroid function.Additionally, implement regular exercise into your routine, as this will promote better overall health, and will make sure that your stress levels are managed, reducing the risk of developing an underactive thyroid.
Foods to Avoid
- Gluten: Individuals that have hypothyroidism may have celiac disease at the same time, or a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function, although these vegetables are healthy and nutritious, it is best to limit consumption if you have an underactive thyroid.
- Soy: Contains compounds that interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication, it best to avoid consuming soy for at least two hours after taking medication.
- Fatty and sugary foods: Due to hypothyroidism having the ability to slow down metabolisms, leading to weight gain, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and to avoid high-fat and high-calorie foods that contribute to weight gain.
Treatment Options
Typically, treatment for an underactive thyroid involves taking thyroid hormone replacement medication, this replaces the hormones that your body is failing to produce, it is taken orally, and the dosage is adjusted based on the results of the thyroid function tests. Having regular blood tests while getting treatment is recommend to ensure that your thyroid hormones are at the right level and that no other issues are occurring.Can an underactive thyroid cause weight gain?
Your metabolism is regulated by thyroid hormones, in turn helping the body burn calories, and therefore maintain a healthy weight, but when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones to do this, it will cause the metabolism to slow down, resulting in weight gain. Despite this, always check with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing this problem, as weight gain can be a symptom of many other conditions as well.
How is it diagnosed?
The main method of diagnosing an underactive thyroid is through taking a thyroid function blood test, this measures the levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4), and Triiodothyronine (T3), although T3 is not included as often.
We offer a range of thyroid blood tests below:
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Thyroid function test
This test measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland produces TSH to tell the thyroid to work harder. If the TSH levels are too low, it means the pituitary gland may not be functioning properly.
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Thyroid hormone blood test (full profile)
Thyroid blood test screens for TSH, FT3, FT4 to detect proper thyroid function, identify hypo/hyperthyroidism, evaluate enlarged thyroid gland.
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Thyroid hormone- Free thyroxine (FT4)
FT4 detects proper thyroid function, helps identify hypo/hyperthyroidism, evaluate enlarged thyroid gland, diagnose female infertility.
View more details£50.00
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