Thyroid hormones are responsible for much of what we consider to be ‘normal’ functioning of the human body. Levels of these hormones are tightly controlled by the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. Impaired thyroid function can lead to a number of issues, including weight gain and loss, which are often the result of thyroid hormone deficiency. However, this is not always the case. There are individuals with hypothyroidism who suffer from extreme weight loss, causing many doctors and scientists to question whether or not there is such a thing as ‘metabolism surgery’ for adults.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. This is often the result of an autoimmune disorder that is attacking the thyroid gland. However, this is not always the case, and there are other known causes of hypothyroidism as well. For example, medications that are used to treat high blood pressure can also cause the thyroid gland to become inactive. Inactive thyroid glands do not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone either, so individuals who are taking medications for high blood pressure may end up with hypothyroidism as well.
Why Do People Lose Weight When Their Thyroid Is Inactive?
When our thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, this has a number of effects on our bodies. One of the most important effects is that it causes us to retain more water than usual. This is because the body does not need to work as hard to maintain a constant body temperature. The result is that we tend to lose weight even when we are not aiming to lose weight, which can be a source of frustration for those who are indeed trying to shed a few pounds.
Are There Different Types of Hypothyroidism?
While most people consider hypothyroidism to be a single disease, it is actually a spectrum of diseases, ranging from mild to severe. The most important thing to note is that there is a wide variety of symptoms associated with different degrees of hypothyroidism. While some people may experience almost no symptoms at all, others may experience severe and debilitating symptoms. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are a dry mouth, fatigue, depression, and weight loss, to name just a few.
How Is The Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism Made?
For those who are wondering what to look out for, the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue
- Weight Loss
- Depression
- Trouble Sleeping
- Mouth Dryness
- Dental Issues
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor so that he can conduct a physical examination and test for hypothyroidism. These tests are necessary because there are a number of treatable causes of thyroid malfunction, and if your doctor is unable to identify the root of the problem after a thorough examination, then he may suggest that you undergo surgery to remove part of your thyroid gland.
What Is The Treatment of Hypothyroidism?
Once the diagnosis of hypothyroidism has been confirmed, the treatment is fairly straightforward. Thyroid hormone supplementation is necessary in order to restore normal function to your thyroid gland. There are a number of different forms of thyroid hormone supplements available, including tablets, liquids, and gels, all of which are equally effective at raising thyroid hormone levels.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Hypothyroidism Treatment?
While there are a number of advantages to treating hypothyroidism, there are also some possible side effects that you should be aware of. One of the most serious side effects is known as osteoporosis, which is an underlying condition characterized by thinning of the bones. This is often an inevitable consequence of long-term thyroid hormone supplementation and can lead to fractures or breakages in the bones, especially the spine and the hip. There is also the possibility of decreased mental function, with patients reporting problems with reasoning and memory. These side effects can be minimised through proper diet and supplementation, but they still exist and must be considered whenever someone is suffering from hypothyroidism.
Is There Something Similar To Hypothyroidism For Men?
While women are more likely to be affected by hypothyroidism due to the nature of their menstrual cycles and pregnancy, men can also be affected by the condition. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 10% of all cases of hypothyroidism are diagnosed in males. The most important difference between men and women is that men are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism if their thyroid gland is functioning normally. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism concluded that while women are more likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism, this is not always the case. The condition can still manifest itself in males even though it is not always diagnosed due to social inhibition and lack of identification. This is why males are more likely to be affected by undiagnosed or ‘silent’ hypothyroidism. If a male is indeed affected by the condition but does not exhibit any symptoms, then his levels of thyroid hormone will most likely be sub-optimal, resulting in him being underweight or even clinically hypothyroid. Like with females, proper diet and supplementation can help to improve the condition in males, but this can be difficult given the social restrictions that are often imposed on men in order to cause them to eat more healthily.
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in our bodies. We often take them for granted, but without them our bodies would not function as they do, which is why it is so important to ensure that our bodies produce adequate amounts of these hormones. The root of the problem in most cases of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder that is attacking the thyroid gland. This is what makes it different from other diseases that cause weight loss, such as anorexia or bulimia nervosa. The treatment for hypothyroidism is straightforward and effective in most cases, and if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the common symptoms of the condition, then it is certainly something to be concerned about. In most cases, proper diet and supplementation will more than suffice to treat the problem, but for those who are curious about whether or not there is anything else that they can try, then surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland may be an option. It is important to note that while this is usually a quick and effective cure for those who are indeed suffering from the condition, it is also very serious surgery with a number of possible side effects. For this reason, it is always important to try and avoid the condition if at all possible and to ensure that your doctor confirms the diagnosis through tests before you begin treatment.