If something goes wrong with the thyroid gland, this can lead to a variety of symptoms. Women in particular suffer more often from problems with the thyroid gland. What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism ?
The thyroid gland plays an important role in the production of hormones. If the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, it is called hypothyroidism. Those affected have a significantly slower metabolism, which also reduces their performance.
Hypothyroidism: symptoms in women
If you suffer from the following symptoms, you could have hypothyroidism :
- You have no appetite.
- You get cold easily.
- You have cycle problems.
- You don’t get pregnant.
- You have trouble concentrating.
- You don’t feel like doing anything and are listless.
- You suffer from constipation.
- You are sick more often.
- You have frequent headaches.
- You are tired all the time.
- You have cool, dry, flaky, pale yellow skin.
- Your hair is brittle or straw-like.
- Your nails break more often.
- Your heartbeat has slowed down.
Hypothyroidism: When to see a doctor?
If you have more than one of the above symptoms of hypothyroidism and have noticed other changes in your condition, you should see your doctor and report your symptoms. The first step is for your GP to do a blood test. He or she may also do a thyroid scan or ultrasound. You may then be referred to a specialist (internist or endocrinologist).
There are other tests that can be done to check the function of the thyroid gland, such as a radio-iodine test, scintigraphy and fine needle aspiration.
The function of the thyroid gland
When the thyroid gland is functioning normally, it produces important hormones that are involved in energy metabolism, bone formation, growth and brain development. However, in order for the thyroid gland to produce these hormones, the human body must be supplied with sufficient iodine. Since the body cannot produce this important trace element itself, it must be ingested through food, such as sea fish or iodised salt.
Can hypothyroidism be prevented ?
It is not possible to prevent hypothyroidism. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms. If hypothyroidism is caused by a lack of iodine, a consistent supply of the trace element can be treated through diet or iodine supplements prescribed by a doctor.
To cover the daily iodine requirement, the Nutrition Society (dge) recommends 200 µg for adults (25-51 years).
What blood values indicate hypothyroidism ?
The thyroid gland influences the hormone balance. “It is where the hormones tetraiodothyronine (called T4 for short) and triiodothyronine, (called T3 for short) are formed and released into the bloodstream,” is how internists explain the function of the thyroid gland on the web.
If your neck has changed in the area of the thyroid gland or if there are irregularities in the hormone values, various blood values are examined. The so-called TSH value (value of the thyroid-stimulating hormone) is examined more closely.
The normal value of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH value) in adults is between: 0.27 – 2.5 mU/l
Triiodothyronine (T3 )
Normal value for women & men: 2 – 4.4 pg/ml
L-thyroxine (T4)
Normal value for women & men: 8 – 18 pg/ml
If it is within the normal range, there is no disease. If the TSH value is too high, there may be an underactive thyroid. A lower value, on the other hand, would indicate hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism in pregnancy
Especially during pregnancy and for breastfeeding mothers, it is important to check thyroid levels and iodine requirements regularly. As far as iodine is concerned, the daily requirement is higher for pregnant and breastfeeding women (dge: 230 µg ; 260 µg), after all, the baby also needs sufficient thyroid hormones for growth. A deficiency could mean severe developmental disorders for the child.
If the mother has a thyroid disorder, it can also be treated during pregnancy. Therefore, consultation with the gynaecologist is very important.
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s ?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a specific form of thyroiditis. It is often diagnosed as the cause of hypothyroidism. To detect it, a blood sample is tested for special antibodies.
The inflammation destroys thyroid tissue, which has the effect of reducing hormone production in the thyroid gland. Then Hashimoto’s thyroiditis causes the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. In this case, by the way, it should not be treated with iodine.
Important note : The information in this article is for information purposes only and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. If you have any uncertainties, urgent questions or complaints, you should contact your doctor.
