Hypothyroidism, A Decreased Metabolism Caused By The Body Not Producing Enough Thyroid Hormone

Illustration of the symptoms and causes of hypothyroidism (Freepik/Bearfotos)

JAKARTA – Every living organism has a system of organisms. Metabolism is an important chemical work in the body's cells to convert food into energy. If it does not work optimally, it will have a bad risk to health.

One of the causes of a slowed metabolism is hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when there is not enough thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. When the metabolism slows down due to very low thyroid hormone, it is known as myxedema.

Reported by the Cleveland Clinic, Tuesday, October 26, hypothyroidism is generally treatable, namely with medical action and prescription drugs from a doctor.

How the thyroid works

The thyroid hormone producer is the thyroid gland. It is located in front of the neck in the shape of a butterfly with wings encircling the throat. The main job of the thyroid is to control metabolism by creating the hormones T4 and T5.

These hormones work throughout the body to tell the body's cells to process how much energy the body uses. They also control body temperature as well as heart rate.

Normally, the productive thyroid makes hormones and releases them and then makes new ones to replace the thyroid hormones that have been used. This happens so that the metabolism can continue to work and all body systems remain under control. The amount of thyroid hormone is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is located in the middle of the skull, below the brain.

When the pituitary gland senses too little or too much thyroid hormone, it sends it to the thyroid to balance the amount.

Causes and symptoms of hypothyroidism

Too much thyroid hormone is called hyperthyroidism, while too little is known as hypothyroidism. The cause can be hereditary, thyroid inflammation, iodine deficiency, caused by viruses, and in some cases occurs after pregnancy.

Illustration of a hypothyroidism test (Freepik)

Hypothyroidism can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. However, women in general are more likely to be at risk of hypothyroidism after menopause than younger ages.

For women who are pregnant, it is important to control thyroid levels. Because these hormones help develop the brain and nervous system. If it is not in a balanced condition and is not treated immediately during pregnancy, it can cause complications, miscarriage, and premature birth.

When you take birth control pills, it is important to consider how they affect the thyroid. If you have hypothyroidism, your dose of thyroid hormone balancing medication may need to be increased along with taking birth control pills.

If you stop taking birth control pills, you need to lower your medication levels because the progesterone and estrogen in birth control pills affect your thyroid-binding protein.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop slowly over time. Sometimes symptoms get better over the years. The following are the symptoms experienced by a person with hypothyroidism:

Experience numbness and tingling in the hands. Gain weight. Experiencing constipation. Experiencing pain all over the body. Blood cholesterol levels are higher than normal. Feeling depressed. Cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Dry and rough skin and hair. Decreased sexual desire. Menstruation is more frequent and painful. Changes in the face, around the eyes and face swelling. The voice is lower and hoarse. Forgetful.

The main way to diagnose hypothyroidism is with a blood test called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This test will determine the level of thyroid hormone and even diagnose if you have Hashimoto's disease. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition that runs through families in which chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis occurs.

Hypothyroidism can only be overcome by taking medication on a prescription given by a doctor after being diagnosed. Then careful management is carried out by carrying out diet and exercise with the right size. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious medical conditions.