Thyroid conditions
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck and performs its functions by producing thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are in turn regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
Thyroid disease is more prevalent in women, and 60% of people who suffer from thyroid problems are unaware of it.
Certain thyroid conditions cause a decrease in hormone production (hypothyroidism), this being the most common functional alteration; its causes are diverse such as autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (most frequent) and other forms of thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, thyroid surgeries, radioactive iodine therapy (I131), medications, external radiotherapy, infectious or infiltrative diseases.
It is associated with a family history of thyroid disease, Down syndrome, and autoimmune diseases. Elevated LDL cholesterol, anemia, and high prolactin levels are common.
Its symptoms are often nonspecific but suggestive of illness, such as a slow heart rate, dry skin and hair, paleness, loss of eyebrows, decreased sweating, cold intolerance, a thick tongue, swelling in the eyes, face, and ankles; hoarse voice, constipation, weakness in lifting arms or legs, climbing stairs, easy fatigue, and slowness in speech, thought, learning, movement, reflexes (Achilles tendon), and metabolism (obesity). Cognitive and memory impairments, mood swings, menstrual irregularities (heavy and/or prolonged periods), and fertility problems may also occur.
The nonspecific nature of the symptoms makes diagnosis difficult; all suspected cases should be evaluated, as in pregnancy and in the newborn, mainly by measuring TSH levels; T4 levels and other studies would be proposed by the specialist.
The treatment, under medical supervision, consists of administering replacement doses of thyroid hormone (levothyroxine).
Dr. Lucia M. Gonçalves Jardim
Internal Medicine Physician.
Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Email: luciamgoncalvesj@gmail.com
Telephone: +351 939 056 458