{"id":403,"date":"2026-06-16T18:07:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adeahealth.com\/blog\/?p=403"},"modified":"2026-06-16T18:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:32:10","slug":"what-is-hypothyroidism-and-how-is-it-treated","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adeahealth.com\/blog\/what-is-hypothyroidism-and-how-is-it-treated\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Hypothyroidism And How Is It Treated?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thyroid hormones, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, are essential for regulating metabolism and bodily functions. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland underproduces these hormones, slowing down metabolic processes. It can cause fatigue, weight gain, and cognitive issues. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments is vital to prevent serious complications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Are Thyroid Hormones?<\/span><\/h1>\n

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Thyroid hormones<\/a> are produced and released by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is situated in the front of the neck, just below the Adam\u2019s apple, and has a butterfly shape. This gland and its secretions are responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolism while regulating other processes in the body. <\/span><\/p>\n

These hormones are crucial for regulating various physiological processes in the body, including metabolism, growth, and development. The main thyroid hormones are thyroxine and triiodothyronine.<\/span><\/p>\n

The production and release of thyroid hormones are controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland through the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Imbalances can lead to disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Is Hypothyroidism?<\/span><\/h1>\n

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Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterised by an underactive thyroid gland, which means the gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs. Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolism, so when their levels are low, the body’s processes slow down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Types Of Hypothyroidism<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Hypothyroidism can occur in 3 ways: primary, secondary or, very rarely, tertiary hypothyroidism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Primary hypothyroidism<\/b> often occurs in society, affecting women more than men, and is referred to when there is a problem with the thyroid gland which is not producing and releasing sufficient thyroid hormones known as triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4).\u00a0 This causes a decrease in the metabolic rate of the body.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Secondary hypothyroidism<\/b> is not as common as primary hypothyroidism but can still occur. This is usually when there is a disturbance in the physiology of the pituitary gland, which results in the fact that the pituitary gland is not secreting sufficient thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid to secrete thyroid hormones T3 and T4.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tertiary hypothyroidism<\/b>, which is extremely rare, is caused by a problem in the hypothalamus in the brain. The hypothalamus does not produce sufficient thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) to stimulate the anterior pituitary to secrete sufficient FSH in order to result in a higher secretion of T3 and T4 from the thyroid gland. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism can thus be caused when there is a disturbance anywhere in this axis which can have repercussions on the body\u2019s function and processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Causes Hypothyroidism?<\/span><\/h1>\n

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Hypothyroidism can be caused by various elements often leading to primary hypothyroidism. These elements that contribute to the causes include:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hashimoto\u2019s Disease<\/b><\/h2>\n

This is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid cells, destroying them and leading to less production of T3 and T4. Hashimoto\u2019s<\/a> is often triggered by infection, genetic or environmental factors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thyroiditis<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Subacute thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid, often following a viral infection, which can initially cause hyperthyroidism and later lead to temporary or permanent hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis is when women experience thyroid inflammation after giving birth, which can lead to temporary hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Thyroidectomy<\/b><\/h2>\n

This is a surgical procedure when a part or the whole thyroid is removed, usually due to cancer. The less thyroid there is, the less thyroid hormones will be produced.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Medication Or Radiotherapy<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some medications can decrease the secretions of T3 and T4 such as lithium, amiodarone, and interferon-alpha. Radiotherapy for cancer, for the head or neck area, can also affect the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Insufficient Iodine Intake<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Iodine is needed for the thyroid to make thyroid hormones. In some cases people do not get enough iodine to make T3 and T4, resulting in low levels thereof. A balanced amount of Iodine at about 150 – 200 micrograms per day is recommended to maintain a healthy thyroid.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Congenital Defects<\/b><\/h2>\n

Some infants are born with an underactive thyroid or no thyroid gland at all. This condition can be due to genetic factors or developmental issues during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Are The Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?<\/span><\/h1>\n

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When someone experiences these symptoms suddenly, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Because thyroid hormones affect nearly every part of the body, symptoms can be widespread and may include:<\/span><\/p>\n