Women more prone to hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder of thyroid gland. Women are more often affected than men. Thyroid glands are located in neck and produces thyroid hormones which control body metabolism. Metabolism includes things like basal metabolic rate, gut motility, heart rate etc. Symptoms of hypothyroidism develop slowly and at times are not recognised by the affected persons, according to Dr Qutbuddin Saify, Specialist Internal Medicine, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah. Increased sensitivity to cold, fatigue, sleepiness, constipation, dry skin and hair, puffy face, hoarse voice, unexpected weight gain, muscle aches, cramps and stiffness, heavy menstruation in women, depression, visibly enlarged thyroid gland are among the symptoms. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In Hashimotto’s thyroiditis, antibodies attack the thyroid gland and results in hypothyroidism. Other common causes of hypothyroidism are drug treatment for hyperthyroidism, the condition in which the body produces excess thyroid hormones, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medication. Uncommon causes are pituitary disorders. Pituitary gland produces a thyroid stimulating hormone. A pituitary disease which results in fewer thyroids stimulating hormone production causes secondary hypothyroidism. It is usually associated with other hormone deficiencies as well. Some women develop hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy because their bodies produce antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Iodine is a mineral used by the body to make thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can keep the body from being able to make enough thyroid hormones In most countries; table salt has iodine added to it to make sure everyone gets enough. Treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone pill. Adequacy of the treatment is assessed by the doctors assessing symptoms, physical examination and measurement of thyroid hormones in the blood. Initially more frequent monitoring is required. After achieving desired thyroid hormone levels, half yearly or annual checkups are enough. In pregnancy, dose requirement increases and more frequent assessment is required. If not treated, hypothyroidism can lead to other health problems like goiter in which the thyroid gland becomes large resulting in a swollen lump in the neck which can affect appearance and can even cause swallowing and breathing difficulties.