Hypothyroidism, when your thyroid gland makes insufficient hormones, can happen for a number of reasons and trigger a host of problems. But help is available.
If you have hypothyroidism or think you might have it, read on as our experts at Church Street Medical Center and Aesthetics in Lenoir, North Carolina, explain how they can manage this condition over the long term.
Hypothyroidism causes and symptoms
Causes of hypothyroidism include:
- An autoimmune attack that damages the thyroid, compromising its function
- Thyroid surgery
- Radiation therapy and certain medications
- Iodine deficiency
- Congenital hypothyroidism (the thyroid doesn’t develop properly)
- Pituitary and hypothalamus disorders
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Heart issues
- High cholesterol
- Joint pain
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
These hormones can be replaced, but every case is different, and proper dosage is crucial.
In some cases, such as after thyroid removal, medication replaces thyroid hormone production permanently.
The key to living with hypothyroidism symptom-free
One significant aspect of managing hypothyroidism is regularly adjusting your dosage to meet your current needs. Over time, people may need more or less hormone replacement depending on the progression of the condition.
For example, someone with Hashimoto’s disease who identifies and eliminates autoimmune triggers may reduce the ongoing attack on their thyroid. As a result, their natural thyroid function might improve, and their need for supplementation could decrease.
Getting tested is key for dosage
Receiving too little thyroid hormone can leave you struggling with low energy, brain fog, weight gain, and even depression. On the other hand, receiving too much (often due to an improper dosage) can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and unwanted weight loss.
We test our patients regularly to ensure their medication stays aligned with their body’s needs and controls their symptoms.
Making lifestyle changes
While medication is often a lifelong part of managing hypothyroidism, diet and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in thyroid health. Supplements and stress management techniques can help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Selenium has gained attention for its role in lowering thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s patients. Additionally, many people report improvements following a gluten-free diet — especially if they have a gluten sensitivity.
Vitamin D and probiotics have also shown promise in supporting thyroid function.
Learn more about your thyroid
A hypothyroidism diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially if you experience symptoms. The good news is that with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can feel more like yourself again.
Need help managing your hypothyroidism? Schedule an appointment by phone or online today to learn more about our chronic disease management program.