Hypothyroidism: Symptoms and Treatment of an Underactive Thyroid

Thyroid dysfunction affects your general health because of the gland's role in regulating metabolism and hormones. At Spirit, we explain the symptoms and provide suitable treatment.

The thyroid gland

The thyroid is one of the body's most important glands and plays a major role in regulating metabolism. It lies at the front of the neck and resembles a butterfly, with two lobes joined by an isthmus.

It is the main source of thyroid hormones, which affect functions throughout the body. Its size and activity depend on several factors and a person's environment. Thyroid testing is therefore recommended to check its health and avoid conditions such as underactivity or overactivity, allowing treatment with medication and proper nutrition to prevent negative effects.

What does the thyroid do?

A healthy thyroid performs many vital functions through its hormone production:

• It regulates many different vital processes in the human body.
• Its hormones affect heart rate, calorie burning, skin repair, growth and heat production.
• It controls cell renewal and replacement through its effects on metabolism and production of the energy the body needs.
• When the gland produces too little thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism develops and the hormones are insufficient for bodily functions. This can lead to cardiovascular and other organ disorders.

Thyroid health should therefore be monitored regularly to identify problems early and address them promptly and effectively.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition affecting many people worldwide and having a significant impact on daily life. Symptoms include:

• Persistent tiredness and lack of motivation for everyday tasks.
• Feeling cold and having a low body temperature even when the surrounding temperature is normal.
• Weight gain despite reduced appetite.
• Dull facial expressions.
• Constipation.
• Coarse hair and skin.
• Dry skin.
• A slow heart rate.
• Facial puffiness.
• Muscle weakness.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding and irregular periods.
• Depression and sudden crying episodes.

Thyroid testing

Thyroid testing is an important medical investigation that helps diagnose thyroid disease and assess how efficiently the gland works.

A blood sample is taken to measure TSH, which reflects thyroid function.

A result above the normal range indicates an underactive thyroid, while a result below the normal range indicates overactivity. The normal thyroid-stimulating hormone ranges given are:

• Men: 0.4–4.0 mIU/L.
• Women: 0.4–4.2 mIU/L.
• Newborns: 1.6–24.3 mIU/L.

If thyroid hormone testing produces an abnormal result, consult a doctor to determine suitable treatment.

Thyroid treatment

Thyroid conditions may be treated with medicines, surgery or radioactive iodine, depending on the patient's condition, to improve thyroid function. In most cases, replacement thyroid hormone is taken regularly over a long period so that normal function can return. Medicines include:

Euthyrox 50, 100 tablets

Source-content review note: The Arabic source labels the following Euthyrox strengths as “mg”, but the linked product pages identify them as micrograms (mcg). This source-unit discrepancy requires clinical correction; the quoted labels below are not dosing instructions.

Euthyrox contains levothyroxine, a hormone similar to thyroid hormone. The source lists different strengths using the labels “Euthyrox 25 mg”, “Euthyrox 50 mg” and Euthyrox 100.

All these Euthyrox strengths contain levothyroxine, which resembles the hormone produced by the thyroid and is used to regulate the body's energy and metabolism.

2. Eltroxin 100 micrograms, 100 tablets

Eltroxin 100 micrograms, 100 tablets, or levothyroxine, is used to treat hypothyroidism by replacing thyroid hormone. It is also used for TSH-responsive tumours, a type of thyroid tumour.

In certain cases, radioactive iodine is administered to shrink the thyroid. Surgery is also an effective treatment for some thyroid-related conditions.

Overall, most thyroid diseases can be controlled using one of the treatments described above.

Can an overactive thyroid be cured?

• Many people with thyroid disease ask whether an overactive thyroid can be permanently cured. The answer is yes.
• However, this requires correct diagnosis and adherence to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
• Antithyroid medicines and radioactive iodine can be used to reduce the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid.
• In some cases, treating hyperthyroidism involves surgery to remove the thyroid or destroying it with radioactive iodine.
• Nevertheless, people with hyperthyroidism can enjoy good health after appropriate treatment and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Drinks that reduce thyroid activity

Regulating thyroid hormones is important for the body, and hyperthyroidism can lead to serious health problems.

Thyroid health can be supported by changing some dietary and lifestyle habits and consuming drinks that improve thyroid function.

Drinks that help control thyroid activity include:

• Green tea.
• Apple cider vinegar.
• Chamomile tea.
• Lemon water.
• Ginger tea.
• Dandelion-root tea.
• Turmeric milk.
• Coconut water.

All these drinks contribute to improved thyroid function. They should therefore be considered to promote thyroid health and overall wellbeing.

This concludes our detailed article about the thyroid, its symptoms and effective treatments available from Spirit Pharmacy, the best online pharmacy in Kuwait. Follow our website for medical information about different conditions and suitable treatments.