Complications
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems, like-
- Goiter
- Cardiovascular problems
- Birth defects
- Infertility
- Mental health issues
- Myxedema
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Trouble breathing
- Neuromuscular dysfunction
Diagnosis
The correct hypothyroidism diagnosis involves the following conditions -
- Check for hypothyroidism symptoms.
Medical history
If you have had any thyroid surgery or thyroid treatment, this may have an impact on the functional ability of your thyroid gland.
Physical examination
The thyroid specialists will examine your thyroid gland and look for hypothyroidism symptoms such as dry skin and hair, hoarse voice, droopy eyelids, swollen face or a slower heart rate.
Blood tests (thyroid function test, TFTs), including
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test
- T4 tests
Imaging tests
Thyroid scan, radioactive iodine uptake test, or ultrasound scan.
Hypothyroidism treatment
The treatment for hypothyroidism involves thyroid hormone therapy by taking the pure synthetic thyroxine (T4) to replace the natural thyroid hormones that your thyroid fails to make. After eight weeks, you will need a blood test (thyroid function test, TFTs) to monitor your thyroid hormone levels after you start your medications. Your endocrinologist will adjust your drug dose if required.
If you follow the doctor's prescription properly, it's possible to keep hypothyroidism in control. Do not stop taking thyroid medicines on your own, and consult your doctor before doing so.
If you suffer from Hashimoto's disease or any other autoimmune thyroid disorder, you may be sensitive to iodine. Discuss which foods, supplements, and medicines you need to avoid with your endocrinologist.
Do’s and Don’ts
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid gland means inadequate production of thyroid hormones inside the body. Hypothyroidism causes autoimmune thyroiditis ( Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and atrophic thyroiditis), diabetes, family history, etc. Its treatment is hormone replacement therapy.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Eat a healthy diet | Skip taking thyroid medicine. |
| Keep diabetes under control. | Gain weight |
| Regular health check-up | Ignore thyroid symptoms. |
| Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. | Ignore the iodine intake in your diet |
| Take the correct amount of iodine. | Eat excess sugary foods |
If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as neuromuscular dysfunction, shortness of breath, mental issues, goitre, cardiovascular problems, birth defects, and infertility. Therefore, we need to follow the do’s and don'ts to avoid it or make it less severe.
Hypothyroidism Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most trusted team of endocrinologists and thyroid specialists working together to provide excellent healthcare to our patients. Our team adopts a multi-disciplinary approach for treating thyroid diseases with the active participation of experts like endocrinologists, thyroid specialists, trained nurses, and other paramedical staff, who provide the best thyroid treatment. We provide world-class healthcare services at affordable costs in all our departments to offer superior treatment outcomes and experience to our customers.
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