Hypothyroidism: causes, symptoms and treatment

By Cristiano Antonino On Oct 27, 2022

Hypothyroidism is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland: the gland is unable to produce a normal amount of thyroid hormones – Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) – which are therefore present in the blood in lower than normal amounts

It is a rather common pathological condition, especially in women and the elderly, and results in a slowing down of the body’s functions.

What causes hypothyroidism

There are at least two forms of hypothyroidism; the primary form, by far the most common, is caused by a decrease in functioning thyroid tissue.

The most common cause is autoimmune thyroiditis, i.e. a process of the body’s own self-aggression towards the gland, mediated by the immune system that causes progressive destruction of functioning thyroid tissue.

Another relatively frequent cause is surgical removal or destruction by radioiodine, administered for therapeutic purposes, of the gland.

Deficiency of iodine, a trace element that enters into the chemical composition of thyroid hormones, has been a very important cause of hypothyroidism in the past.

Even today, we should not underestimate it, even though, compared to even a relatively recent past, the situation has changed profoundly: people go to the seaside, eat fish, shellfish, there is iodized salt on the market and there is more attention paid by doctors to the problem.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

The symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to appear gradually and include:

fatigability
intolerance to cold
constipation
decreased heart rate
decreased libido
weight gain
mental torpor
difficulty concentrating
memory loss
reduced mood
drowsiness
muscle numbness
excessive menstrual flow
reactive hypoglycaemia
dry skin
hair loss

The diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be made with a simple blood test to measure the concentration of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), the hormone that stimulates the production of T3 and T4.

An increase in TSH therefore indicates that the thyroid is underactive.

Treatment and prevention of hypothyroidism

The treatment of hypothyroidism consists of replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormones (thyroxine), generally taken by the patient for life.

Taking them in the appropriate quantities does not entail any side effects because we are not administering a drug but the same hormone produced by the gland.

Treatment results in complete regression of symptoms and complete restoration of normality.