Hypothyroidism: Diagnosis, Treatment And Hypothyroidism Range

The thyroid gland plays a key role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, etc. and maintaining overall health and well-being. Now, hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce sufficient thyroid hormones. As a result, it hampers bodily functions and leads to serious diseases in the long term.

Therefore, it is important to keep track of the thyroid hormone levels. Consistent monitoring can help individuals to prevent and manage conditions like hypothyroidism. So, let’s uncover the essential details of hypothyroidism and remain well-informed of such conditions.

Thyroid Hormones and Their Function

The thyroid gland produces Thyroxine or T4, also known as tetraiodothyronine, and Triiodothyronine or T3 hormone.

1.Role of Thyroxine (T4)

• Brain Development: T4 plays a vital role in brain development. Specifically, it helps in brain development during childhood and fetal stages. It also promotes several cognitive functions, such as learning, memory, etc. 
• Metabolism: It helps to maintain the body's metabolism rate. That means how efficiently and quickly the body utilizes energy. 
• Body Temperature: It also helps maintain body temperature by regulating heat production. 
• Reproduction: T4 plays a significant role in controlling menstruation cycles in women. Also, it regulates sperm production in men. 

2.Role of Triiodothyronine (T3)

• Bone Development: T3 participates in linear bone growth and epiphyseal bone centre maturation after birth. It also stimulates the remodelling of adult bones.
• Oxygen Delivery:  Simulating haemoglobin and erythropoietin, T3 helps deliver oxygen through the tissues. 
• Cardiovascular Function: Regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and flow builds healthy cardiovascular function. Also, it helps to maintain a healthy heart rhythm. 
• Digestive Function: T3 ensures a swift movement of foods across the digestive tract. Additionally, it helps in the absorption of nutrients in the body.  

What is a Normal Thyroid Hormone Range?

1.Normal Range for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

• Adults 21+ years old: 0.27 – 4.2 uIU/mL(micro-international units per milliliter)
• People 12 to 20 years old: 0.51 – 4.3 uIU/mL
• Children 7 to 11 years old: 0.6 – 4.84 uIU/mL
• Children 1 to 6 years old: 0.7 – 5.97 uIU/mL
• Babies 4 to 12 months old: 0.73 – 8.35 uIU/mL
• Infants 6 to 90 days old: 0.72 – 11.0 uIU/mL
• Infants up to 5 days old: 0.7 – 15.2 uIU/mL 

2.Normal Range for Free T4

• Adults of 18+: 0.9 -1.7 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter)
• Male of 16-17 years old: 0.8 -2.8 ng/dL
• Female of 16-17 years old: 0.8 -1.5 ng/dL
• Children of 6-15 years old: 0.8 -2.1 ng/dL
• Children up to 5 years old: 0.8 -2.8 ng/dL

3.Normal Range for Free T3

• Adults of 18+: 79-165 ng/dL
• 15-17 years old: 71-175 ng/dL
• Children of 11-14 years old: 68-186 ng/dL
• Children of 6-10 years old: 104-183 ng/dL
• Children of 1-5 years old: 106-203 ng/dL

Causes of Deviations from Normal Range

Primary Hypothyroidism

1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: It's an autoimmune disease for which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid.
2. Radioactive Iodine Treatment: The thyroid gland becomes damaged due to radioactive iodine treatment.

  3.Other Causes: 

• Viral thyroiditis
• Lack of dietary iodine
• Certain drugs

Secondary Hypothyroidism

1. Pituitary Tumours: These are the major causes of secondary hypothyroidism.
2. TRH Resistance: It happens due to the weak response of the pituitary gland's cells to TRH.
3. Other Causes: 

• Radiation therapy for brain
• Drugs like dopamine and opioids
• Sheehan syndrome

Influence of Medications and Diet

1. Medications

• Antacids containing magnesium or calcium and aluminium
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs containing colestipol (Colestid) and cholestyramine (Prevalite, Locholest)
• Ulcer medicines such as sucralfate

2. Diet

• Soybean flour
• Iron supplements
• Walnuts
• Cottonseed meal
• Some calcium supplements

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Tiredness
• Muscle weakness
• Dry skin
• Sensitivity to cold
• Puffy face
• Weight gain
• Muscle aches, stiffness, and tenderness
• Thin hair
• Depression
• Irregular or heavier menstrual cycles

Impact on Daily Life

• Hypothyroidism slows down heart rate as the heart fails to function at its optimal level. Hence, it leads to high blood pressure and breathing problems during exercise. 
• It also increases cholesterol, which leaves a fatal and long-lasting impact on human health.
• This disease lowers digestive abilities. As a result, patients may suffer from symptoms like bloating, heartburn, and constipation. 
• Moreover, hypothyroidism affects the nervous system. Thus, people may suffer from tingling, pain, numbness, etc. 

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

1. Blood Tests

• Blood test 1: The first blood test measures the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. If the TSH level is high and T4 is low, then hypothyroidism diagnosis will start. 
• Blood test 2: The second blood test happens if the TSH level is high but the T4 and T3 labels are low. In this case, the diagnosis will be done for subclinical hypothyroidism. 

2. Imaging and Other Tests

• Thyroid ultrasound: In this test, the sound waves help create an image of the thyroid gland. It identifies if there is any goitre or nodules on the thyroid gland.   
• Thyroid scan: Through this test, the thyroid gland is accessed by radioactive elements. It helps to check the abnormal functionalities of the gland.
• Thyroglobulin antibody test: This test identifies if there is any autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Reverse T3 test: It helps to analyze the severity of hypothyroidism. 

Treatment Options

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy

In hormone replacement therapy, doctors use artificial thyroid hormones. These artificial hormones help to improve the low level of natural thyroid hormones in the body. Generally, the prescribed hormone for this treatment is pure synthetic thyroxine (T4). 

2. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

Patients suffering from hypothyroidism must include iodine-rich foods like iodized salt, seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs in their diet. 

• Also, they need to limit their sugar consumption and avoid foods containing trans fat.
• Adding cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale is also recommended.
• Regular exercise is highly recommended for patients suffering from hypothyroidism.
• Ensuring adequate sleep and effective stress management is important to fight this condition.
• Individuals suffering from this condition must avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.

Monitoring and Managing Hypothyroidism

1. Regular Monitoring of Thyroid Hormone Levels

It's essential to regularly monitor and check T3, T4, and TSH hormone levels for the right treatment of hypothyroidism. These can be done through blood tests. 

2. Adjusting Medication Dosage

The dosage of levothyroxine should be adjustable based on these factors -

• Body weight
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Other medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and liver disease

Complications Associated with Untreated Hypothyroidism

1. Cardiovascular Issues

• It increases cholesterol levels, which further increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Untreated hypothyroidism leads to the weakening of heart muscle, which causes heart failure. 

2. Mental Health Challenges

• It can cause degradation of memory, problem-solving, and concentration power
• This disease can contribute to depression and anxiety. 

Conclusion

Thyroid hormones play a key role in maintaining the standard functionalities of the thyroid gland. Any deficiency here leads to hypothyroidism, and symptoms like tiredness, sensitivity to colds, hair and skin issues, etc., notifying its presence. However, with timely intervention and proper treatment, it is possible to curb the effects of hypothyroidism.

But, to avoid the risk of this disease, individuals should monitor their thyroid hormone levels regularly. Regular monitoring of these hormones can detect abnormalities in the thyroid gland, which paves the way for intercession and treatment. Today, people with hypothyroidism can easily manage the condition with proper medication, a balanced diet, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with an endocrinologist to understand your levels and receive personalized treatment.