Hypothyroidism

You have been diagnosed as suffering from a condition known as ‘Hypothyroidism’. This pamphlet aims to give you some background information to the condition, its causes and treatment options.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck. Its role is to release thyroid hormones which power the cells of the body.

‘Hypothyroidism’ is the name given when the thyroid gland is underactive and produces less hormone. This affects as many as 2 in 100 females but only 2 in 1,000 males. Hypothyroidism results in a general slowing down both physically and mentally.

There are many symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Some of the common ones are listed below, but different features may be more prominent in some patients compared to others:

General tiredness
Difficulty concentrating
Weight gain
Dislike of cold weather
Muscle weakness (cramps and aches)
Bloated tissue – puffy face, bags under eyes, hoarse voice
Dry skin, thin hair
Heavy periods
Slow pulse

There are two main thyroid hormones, namely Thyroxine (T4) and T3. T4 is the main hormone made by the thyroid gland, and it is converted to T3 in the tissues which themselves are more sensitive to T3. The thyroid gland is stimulated to make thyroid hormones by another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is secreted from the pituitary gland which lies at the base of the brain.

Hypothyroidism is usually due to an ‘autoimmune’ condition. For some reason the body suddenly thinks the thyroid gland is foreign, and starts to attack it. The reason for this is unclear. This can run in families. Underactivity of the thyroid may also be the result of radioactive iodine or thyroid surgery used to treat some patients with thyroid overactivity.

This condition can go unnoticed by the patient and their relatives for many years. It is however easily diagnosed with a simple blood test. The level of free T4 in the blood is low. TSH levels are usually high because the pituitary gland is trying to make the failing thyroid gland work harder. Very rarely it is the pituitary which is not working and in such cases thyroid hormones (T3 + T4) and TSH levels are all low.

This is achieved by giving replacement with synthetic hormone called Thyroxine. Since this is similar to natural hormone it has virtually no side effects as long as it is not given in excessive dosages. The usual dose is 75 – 150 micrograms daily. The correct dose is judged by clinical features and by achieving a normal T4 and TSH in the blood. Tablets come in 25 ug, 50 ug, and 100 ug strengths, and usually started at a low dose with gradual increase over months giving time for all the tissue of the body to adjust.

Hopefully you have found the information in this pamphlet useful, but please remember that your Consultant or General Practitioner is always prepared to answer any further concerns you may have.

There is a patient organisation called the British Thyroid Foundation: if you are interested, please ask for a leaflet at your next hospital visit or contact British Thyroid Foundation, PO Box 97, Clifford, Wetherby, West Yorkshire  LS23 6XD. http://www.btf-thyroid.org

The British Thyroid Foundation has recently joined Thyroid Federation International, 96 Mack Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 1N9.  The website can be found at   http://www.thyroid-fed.org

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Ó NHS Tayside; 2006; version 1.0

Disclaimer; no liability whatsoever is accepted for information given and all such information, especially with regard to drug usage (UK version provided), must be checked with a person’s health provider.