Inactive Thyroid

A butterfly shaped endocrine gland located in the neck that covers a portion of the windpipe is known as the thyroid gland. Although this thyroid gland appears to be very small, its normal functioning is very important to control various biological processes in our body. The thyroid gland is responsible for creation of two hormones; thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Be it regulating the metabolic rate or controlling the body's temperature, the production of these hormones in sufficient amounts is essential for smooth running of various bodily functions. However, one of the thyroid gland problems, known as inactive thyroid, can cause disturbances in normal thyroid hormone levels, eventually leading to a wide range of health problems.

What is an Inactive Thyroid?
Also, referred to as hypothyroidism, it is a condition in which the thyroid gland is incapable of producing the hormones in the required amounts. As a result, the thyroid hormone level decreases considerably. In this condition, usually the thyroxine hormone production is found to be below normal levels, due to which T4 to T3 ratios change drastically. As enough thyroid hormone is not being manufactured, the various bodily processes that are depending on normal thyroid hormone production are adversely affected.

Symptoms
The body does not show any symptoms immediately but when thyroid hormone levels deviate considerably from their normal range, hypothyroidism symptoms are noticed gradually. Moderate level physical activities makes the person extremely tired. The person experiences frequent bouts of fatigue throughout the day. Irregular bowel movement, which is nothing but constipation, is also an indication of low thyroid hormone levels. Hair becoming brittle, which can lead to rapid hair loss is a worrisome condition associated with inactive thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone disorders can also lead to unexplained weight gain. Many times, change in weight is accompanied by muscle aches and joint stiffness.

Causes

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
This condition refers to the swelling of the thyroid gland. This inflammation is an outcome of the body's own immune system invading the tissues of thyroid gland. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland so it is no longer in a position to produce thyroid hormones in adequate amounts. The inflamed thyroid is likely to cause pain when swallowing food. This is an autoimmune disease and according to reports, it runs in families.

Damage to Thyroid Gland
This can occur when hyperthyroidism treatment is continued for prolonged periods of time. Hyperthyroidism, a condition involving too much thyroid hormone production is treated with anti-thyroid medications. However, long-term use of these medicines can permanently disable the thyroid gland and the person may suffer from hypothyroidism for the rest of his life.

Radiation Therapy
It is observed that cancerous tumors occurring in the neck area are usually treated by bombarding high energy rays on the affected area. This procedure helps to kill cancer cells as well as prevents further growth of these dangerous cells. However, the radiation can destroy the thyroid gland partially, which eventually causes hypothyroidism.

Iodine Deficiency
Normal iodine levels play a very important role to regulate thyroid gland function. A diet low in iodine is a contributory factor behind insufficient thyroid hormone production. This is because thyroid gland makes use of iodine to manufacture thyroid hormone.

Treatment
In order to normalize thyroid hormone production, oral intake of pills that contain synthetically prepared T3 and T4 hormones is recommended. One can also try natural remedies for hypothyroidism to restore normal thyroid levels.

On the whole, taking oral medications in the right dosage is the key to stop symptoms of low thyroid levels. Unfortunately, as the damage to the thyroid gland is irreversible, these pills have to be taken life long to keep thyroid hormone levels in the normal range.