Goitres can develop in people with an underactive thyroid when the body tries to stimulate the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. If an underactive thyroid is not treated during pregnancy, there's a risk of problems occurring. These include:.
These problems can usually be avoided with treatment under the guidance of a specialist in hormone disorders an endocrinologist. Therefore, tell a GP if you have an underactive thyroid and you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
A blood test measuring your hormone levels is the only accurate way to find out whether there's a problem. The test, called a thyroid function test, looks at levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH and thyroxine T4 in the blood. A high level of TSH and a low level of T4 in the blood could mean you have an underactive thyroid.
If your test results show raised TSH but normal T4, you may be at risk of developing an underactive thyroid in the future. Your GP may recommend that you have a repeat blood test every so often to see whether you eventually develop an underactive thyroid. Blood tests are also sometimes used for other measurements, such as checking the level of a hormone called triiodothyronine T3.
However, this isn't routine, because T3 levels can often remain normal, even if you have a significantly underactive thyroid. The Lab Tests Online UK website has more information about the different types of thyroid function tests. An underactive thyroid hypothyroidism is usually treated by taking daily hormone replacement tablets called levothyroxine. You'll initially have regular blood tests until the correct dose of levothyroxine is reached.
This can take a little while to get right. You may start on a low dose of levothyroxine, which may be increased gradually, depending on how your body responds. Some people start to feel better soon after beginning treatment, while others don't notice an improvement in their symptoms for several months.
Once you're taking the correct dose, you'll usually have a blood test once a year to monitor your hormone levels. If blood tests suggest you may have an underactive thyroid, but you don't have any symptoms or they're very mild, you may not need any treatment. In these cases, your GP will usually monitor your hormone levels every few months and prescribe levothyroxine if you develop symptoms. If you're prescribed levothyroxine, you should take one tablet at the same time every day.
It's usually recommended that you take the tablets in the morning, although some people prefer to take them at night. The effectiveness of the tablets can be altered by other medications, supplements or foods, so they should be swallowed with water on an empty stomach, and you should avoid eating for 30 minutes afterwards.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, if this is within a few hours of your usual time. If you don't remember until later than this, skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you'll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. If you're prescribed levothyroxine because you have an underactive thyroid, you're entitled to a medical exemption certificate.
This means you don't have to pay for your prescriptions. Levothyroxine doesn't usually have any side effects, because the tablets simply replace a missing hormone. Side effects usually only occur if you're taking too much levothyroxine. This can cause problems including sweating, chest pain , headaches , diarrhoea and vomiting. Tell your doctor if you develop new symptoms while taking levothyroxine. You should also let them know if your symptoms get worse or don't improve.
In most cases, suppressing thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH using high dose thyroid replacement therapy should be avoided because it carries a risk of causing adverse side effects, such as atrial fibrillation an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate , strokes , osteoporosis and fracture. If you have an untreated underactive thyroid, your risk of developing cardiovascular disease is increased.
This is because having low levels of the hormone thyroxine can lead to increased levels of cholesterol in your blood. High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, restricting the flow of blood. Contact your doctor if you're being treated for an underactive thyroid and you develop chest pain , so that any problems can be detected and treated, if necessary. A goitre is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump to form in the throat.
Kao explains. Doing so at the same time every day works best to keep your thyroid hormone level consistent. Getting diagnosed and starting treatment are key elements of getting this condition under control. Treatment for underactive thyroid is effective and relatively simple, and a number of health problems and potentially serious complications can be avoided.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Initially, it's important to make sure you're receiving the correct dose of medicine. And over time, the dose you need may change. When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset.
There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland — triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 — have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism.
These hormones also influence the control of vital functions, such as body temperature and heart rate. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including:. Autoimmune disease.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland. Scientists aren't sure why this happens, but it's likely a combination of factors, such as your genes and an environmental trigger.
However it happens, these antibodies affect the thyroid's ability to produce hormones. This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness.
A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body. If you have signs or symptoms of myxedema, you need immediate emergency medical treatment.
0コメント