What is underactive thyroid called?
Ah yes, the thyroid gland. That small, butterfly-shaped organ located in your neck that can wreak havoc on your body if not functioning properly. We know all about hyperthyroidism, but what about its lesser-known cousin – underactive thyroid? What is it called and why should we care?
Turns out, underactive thyroid has a few names depending on who you ask. Let’s explore these monikers and shed some light on this mysterious condition.
Hypothyroidism – Wait…What?
The most common name for underactive thyroid is hypothyroidism. This tongue-twisting term comes from Greek roots ‘hypo’, meaning “under”, and ‘thyreos’, which means “shield” (referring to the shape of said butterfly gland). Put them together and voila! You have an impressive medical word for that pesky little problem causing fatigue, weight gain, depression…the list goes on.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Before we delve deeper into this ailment’s aliases let’s note down some hypothyroidism symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Cold intolerance
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Depression
All those symptoms may sound like someone just described how they feel after finishing up Thanksgiving dinner last year but as it happens these are classic signs of hypothyroidism!
Non-Thyroxine-dependent Congenital Hypothryoidsm
Non-thyroxine-dependent congenital hypothryoidsm, NTISCH, for short explains one such kind where there is low blood level thyroxin yet TSH(Tireotropic Hormone) levels are normal with’roughened dermis’. Huh? That makes absolutely no sense to us mere mortals without a degree in medicine or biology. In layman’s terms, NTISCH is a rare genetic condition where the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone from birth and it’s not fixable with thyroxine supplements. (Use this fun fact to impress your friends for absolutely no discernible reason).
How Does Thyroid Affect Your Body?
Ah…the million-dollar question! The thyroid gland produces hormones that impact various processes in our body. For example, these hormones help regulate our metabolism and influence heart rate, breathing, muscle strength etc…When one has hypothyroidism their body slows down which means cells use less energy than they should have; thus causing symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.
Secondary And Tertiary Hypothyroidism – The Plot Thickens
Secondary or Tertiary Hypothyroidism, is when hypothalamus(tiny part of brain) or pituitary(one more little guy from brain team ) do not function properly hence create production issues with heating system in your body i.e thyroid gland .But what does secondary mean? Is there something ‘primary’ we don’t know about?
There is such an entity known as Primary Hypothyroidism wherein the actual dysfunction occurs with-in thyroid creating lesser amount of Hormones , unlike secondary hypothyroidsm where hypothalmus adn Pitutary damages result in decrease activity within whole thryoid pathway
Hashimoto’s disease: When The Immune System Strikes Back
Next up- hashimotos disease ‘Chroniclymphocyticthyroditis’. Try saying that five times fast! This condition gets its name after Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto who first describedin 1912 60 caseswith enlarged goiterand lymphocytes infiltrating parenchyma of glandy just clumping together.My God,this sounds awful!
Hashimoto’s illness can be defined as autoimmune destruction (when immune systems starts attacking its own body) of thyroid gland leading to which leasds to underactivity .What that implies is the immune system launches a missile attack against your own body (in this case, your thyroid), and over time causes damage making proper function close to impossible. It’s like going through life with a 100-pound weight strapped to your back.Literally!
Treatment for Hashimoto’s Disease
Treatment primarily consists of Leveothyroxine supplement ,which assists in stabilizing hormone level within bloodstream when issues arise…but hey – on the plus side, you get your very prescription medication!Charming isn’t it?
Myxedema Coma: When Everything Goes Haywire
You’re thinking “Ok we can deal with hashimotos ..so what’s there else”
Well,my friend all comes down to Myxdea coma. If hypothyroidism goes untreated, patients could experience severe symptoms known as myxedema crisis or coma.Sounds terrifying, doesn’t it?This condition results from several different things including:
- Trauma
- Certain infections
- Stroke.
In case of Myedima Coma hypothalamus stops working properly hence starts reducing metabolism rate corespondingly leadingto inadequate Oxygen supply,below par cardiac funtionality impairing brain functioning sturturcture Therefore one feels confused and heaviness throughout ones desicion making power leading towards drowziness &hazeyness..All in all pretty scary stuffe if not treated promptly by medications,supportive care,carefull obervation etc.
Symptoms Of Myxedema Crisis
Let’s take a look at some common signs associated with this intense medical emergency:
- Stupor/coma/confusion/instability
- Hypothermia(tiny shivers!)
- Hypotension(Low Blood pressure)
- Bradycardia(Slow Heart Rate)
Want an added bonus with this one? It can be fatal if left untreated. Not so funny anymore, is it?
But wait… There’s More!
Yes, dear reader – there’s even more to mention! Rarely but additional aspect is also present that leads to Hypothyroism like Pituitary tumors,Fibrosis etc..
See how much fun hypothyroidism can be?! We hope learning about its various names has provided some spark of enlightenment and entertainment. Until next time, stay healthy (and don’t forget your thyroid medication).