The thyroid gland, located in the lower front of the neck, produces hormones that are extremely important for the regulation of the body's metabolism. When the thyroid gland is unable to produce sufficient amounts of these hormones – thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) – then a large number of problems arise in all of the body's systems due to the decrease in the body's metabolism.
An underactive thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism) is more common among elderly people, especially women, and affects 1.5 to 2 per cent of people over the age of 60 years. However, the condition also occurs in younger patients. Because it's an 'autoimmune' disorder (where the body fights against itself), hypothyroidism is linked to other similar autoimmune problems, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and vitiligo.
What causes hypothyroidism?
The main causes of hypot inflammation of the thyroid gland, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In autoimmune conditions the body's immune system seems to turn against some of its own tissues.
-- complications arising from previous surgery to the thyroid gland or from radioactive iodine treatment, both of which are used to treat overactivity of the thyroid gland.
-- an inherited incomplete development of the thyroid gland.
-- as a consequence of treatment with certain medicines such as propylthiouracil, carbimazole (Neo-mercazole), amiodarone (eg Cordarone X tablets) and lithium.
-- lack of iodine in the diet (very rare in the UK). Taking large amounts of iodine for example in some cough syrups or excessive amounts of dietary supplements made from or containing kelp can cause hypothyroidism if there has been previous damage to the thyroid gland, eg treatment with radioactive iodine.
What are the symptoms?
Decreased metabolism can affect every organ of the body including brain, heart, skin, intestine and muscles. Symptoms tend to appear gradually over a long period of time. For this reason, decreased metabolism in the elderly is often mistaken for changes that take place naturally with age. Typical symptoms of decreased metabolism are: decreased tolerance of cold environments, depressionand, lethargy, weight gain, Constipation, dry, rough skin, coarsening of the facial features and a deep voice,
thin, dry hair,