Hyperthyroidism fatigue and freezing

The first signs of hypothyroidism can be tiredness and frequent freezing

02/07/2013

Thyroid hypofunction (hypothyroidism) is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years. First signs such as paleness, tiredness and frequent freezing should not be taken lightly, as in the worst case, a life-threatening myxedema coma threatens. A blood test provides information about changes in the thyroid gland.

In hypothyroidism decreased formation of thyroid hormones
The main task of the thyroid, which is butterfly-shaped in the neck area, consists in the formation and release of the thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (L-thyroxine). Both have great influence on the growth and development of the brain and bones. In addition, they are involved in overall metabolism, oxygen consumption, heat production, nutrient metabolism, cardiac activity and many other bodily functions. The thyroid gland needs iodine for hormone production. Often, iodine deficiency is the cause of hypothyroidism, which can lead to lower physical and mental performance.

If hypothyroidism is not treated, cardiac arrhythmias and muscle atrophy may be at risk. In the worst case it comes to the myxedema, which is very rare but life-threatening. In addition to increased symptoms of hypothyroidism, impaired consciousness, under-temperature (hypothermia), seizures, respiratory disorders and electrolyte imbalance are shown. Immediate hospital admission is mandatory.

Signs of hypothyroidism
The first signs of a change in the thyroid can be tiredness, frequent freezing, coughing and hoarseness. People with untreated hypothyroidism often appear pale, have a puffy face and swollen eyes. The skin looks dry and flaky and the voice is hoarse. Many sufferers also suffer from unexplained weight gain and have a coughing fit and coughing and a proven voice. With these symptoms the course to specialist is indispensable. „An under-function can easily be detected by the blood and treated with medication, "explains Professor Hans-Jürgen Nentwich, board member of the Professional Association of Pediatricians (BVKJ) in Cologne, to the news agency „dpa“. It is necessary to take the medication for a lifetime. In addition, an ENT specialist works with other specialists, such as endocrinologists and internists, if it is indeed a thyroid change due to inflammation (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or a hypofunction.

Causes of hypothyroidism
In the causes of hypothyroidism, a distinction is made between the innate and the acquired form. In congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism), which results from an iodine deficiency of the mother in pregnancy, the absence or malformation of the thyroid gland or a defect in hormone formation (enzymopathy), sufferers show developmental deficits in terms of bone and maturation, the body growth up towards mental and physical retardation. Infants are described as being remarkably drunk and slow-moving and also suffer from constipation. In order to hire children as early as possible, the early diagnosis is carried out by the legally prescribed newborn screening in the first few days of life. The drugs are needed for life.

Acquired hypothyroidism may be due to either thyroid inflammation, thyroid surgery, radiotherapy or iodine deficiency (primary form). In addition, dysfunction of the pituitary gland may be the cause of hypothyroidism (secondary form). (Ag)

Image: Beßler / Havlena