THYROID FAQS
Q1. What is hypothyroidism?
Ans: Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone to maintain the normal body functions. Low thyroid hormone levels cause the body’s functions to slow down, leading to general symptoms like dry skin, fatigue, loss of energy, heavy bleeding during periods, constipation and memory problems. However, mild hypothyroidism does not usually cause major symptoms. That is why it is hard to detect.
Q2.How common is this disorder in population?
Ans: Prevalence rates vary from 4.66% reported from U.S, 2% in U.K and 6% in China. Projected data from India estimate that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases i.e. about 4% of the population, making it one of the most common endocrine disorders in the country.
Q3. Does hypothyroidism cause significant weight gain?
Ans: Hypothyroidism (deficiency of thyroid hormone) slows metabolism, resulting in a decrease of basal metabolic rate (BMR). Moreover, accumulation of salt and water in the body is actually responsible for much of the weight gain. Body weight increases on an average by 10% (4-5 kgs) in this disorder. Significant weight gain never happens with hypothyroidism. If large weight gain occurs, other diseases, use of drugs like oral anti-diabetic drugs, insulin, OC pills or anti-depressants and contributing lifestyle factors should also be sought.
Q4. How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Ans: Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by testing for thyroid hormones. (T4- Thyroxine and TSH-Thyroid-stimulating hormone.) Testing for thyroid anti-bodies (Usually anti-TPO antibodies) can also be performed to determine whether hypothyroidism is caused by a dysfunction of the patient’s own immune system.
Q5.How is hypothyroidism treated?
Ans: By replacement of thyroxine by levothyroxine tablets. Except in 5-10% of patients, thyroxine tablets need to be continued life-long. For best results, these tablets should be taken early in the morning, on an empty stomach and solids, coffee or tea should be consumed only an hour after this medication. Antacids, iron and calcium supplements ideally should be consumed only four hours after thyroxine tablet, otherwise they will interfere with its absorption.
Q6. How frequently should patients review for adequacy of thyroid hormone replacement?
Ans: Initial re-testing for thyroid hormone status and adequacy of treatment is recommended by most endocrinologists only once in 2 or 3 months. Once the patient’s thyroid hormone replacement dose has stabilized, the patient can be reviewed only once in 6 months or 1 year.
Q7. Does hypothyroidism affect men?
Ans: All auto-immune disorders, including hypothyroidism also affect men. However, they are much less frequent in men, but definitely not non-existent.
Q8. Hypothyroidism begins at what age?
Ans: No age is exempt from hypothyroidism. It can start from the 1st day of life and even 90 year olds can be detected to have hypothyroidism. The cause can differ from age to age. Neonates and infants are usually hypothyroid due to a defect in formation or function of thyroid gland, a condition known as congenital hypothyroidism. In the older age groups from children to the elderly, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the commonest causes.
Q9. What is the reason for the recent increase in the number of cases of hypothyroidism?
Ans: While some of the recent increase in the hypothyroidism cases can be explained by an increased awareness of the disorder and easy availability of diagnostic tests, there does seem to be a rising trend in the incidence of this disorder, especially in the younger age group. This may reflect an increase in the prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease or the effect of excess iodine. However, even today, universal use of iodised salt is the best method to prevent hypothyroidism.