The endocrine system is a network of glands and tissues that produce and release hormones. Hormones are essential in regulating basic body functions and travel through the bloodstream, reaching organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues to control processes such as metabolism, growth, and mood. Although beneficial for the body, the production of excessive or insufficient hormones can lead to endocrine disorders.
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What are Endocrine Disorders?
Endocrine disorders arise when hormone levels are either too high or too low, or when the body fails to respond to hormones effectively. The endocrine system is built up of glands that release specific hormones into the bloodstream. Each gland will play a critical role in regulating the body's internal balance.
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The Key Glands
●Adrenal Glands: Two glands situated on top of the kidneys, releasing the hormone cortisol. Cortisol helps to manage stress and regulate metabolism and blood pressure.
●Hypothalamus: Located within the lower middle part of the brain, linking the nervous system to the endocrine system. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release hormones that control growth and metabolism.
●Ovaries: Part of the female reproductive system which produces eggs and sex hormones.
●Thyroid Glands: Responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which affects metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and digestion.
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Among endocrine disorders, hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones for the body’s needs.
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What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. This condition is also called an underactive thyroid and should not be confused with Hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, skin and hair health, nail growth, metabolism, weight, and appetite. While specific data for Hong Kong is limited, in the United States, nearly 5 in 100 people aged 12 or older have hypothyroidism .
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The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary from person to person, where most general symptoms include tiredness, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, muscle weakness, and more .
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Who is Most Likely to Develop Hypothyroidism?
Women are more likely to develop hypothyroidism. Fluctuations in hormone levels during menstrual cycles, post-pregnancy, and menopause can make women more vulnerable to thyroid imbalances. According to the Office of Women’s Health, approximately 1 in 8 women will experience thyroid issues at some point in their lives . Iodine deficiency is also one of the most common causes of primary hypothyroidism and goiter worldwide.
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The risk of developing hypothyroidism also increases with age. As people age, the thyroid gland can become less efficient and more susceptible to damage from the immune system, leading to hypothyroidism. For the elderly, symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, or slower thinking may be subtle and sometimes mistaken for typical signs of aging, which can delay diagnosis.
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How is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed?
To diagnose hypothyroidism, healthcare providers will gently press around the neck to feel for thyroid swelling. This swelling is known as goiter and develops when the thyroid gland tries to work harder to produce hormones, leading to enlargement. They will also ask about symptoms and review your medical history, as symptoms of an underactive thyroid can resemble those of other conditions. Thyroid blood tests will measure levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). High levels of TSH usually indicate that the thyroid is not producing enough hormones.
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The Hypothyroidism Treatments
The main goal of hypothyroidism treatment is to restore normal hormone levels and keep the body functioning properly. The standard treatment is a daily dose of levothyroxine in the form of a pill, which is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone that the body requires to function normally. It’s essential to take this medication on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure it’s fully absorbed.
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Some have said that a special hypothyroidism diet could help, although there is no evidence that certain foods can improve thyroid function. The primary focus is on determining the correct dosage of levothyroxine through regular blood tests and monitoring. This process may take time, as each person’s needs are different. Once the right balance is achieved, hormone levels typically stabilize, and most people will notice an improvement in their conditions. Patients must be aware that treatment is lifelong and levothyroxine will need to be taken daily to keep hormone levels steady and symptoms under control.
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Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a milder form of the condition where thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are higher than usual, but the thyroid hormone remains within the standard range . The term “subclinical” means there are no apparent symptoms yet, but there is a risk of progressing to full hypothyroidism. Treatment decisions depend on individual factors, such as age, symptom severity, and risk of developing hypothyroidism. If treatment is recommended, it also typically involves levothyroxine, the identical hormone replacement used for hypothyroidism.
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Recognize and Manage Hypothyroidism for Better Health
The endocrine system plays a vital role in regulating many of the body’s essential functions, and when hormone levels are disrupted, it can lead to endocrine disorders. Hypothyroidism, one of the most common conditions, is often underdiagnosed due to its subtle symptoms, particularly in women and older adults. Recognizing the hypothyroidism symptoms and understanding the importance of early testing and treatment is key to maintaining long-term health.
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Sources:
1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Endocrine System. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21201-endocrine-system
2. WebMD. (2024). Endocrine Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/endocrine-system-disorders
3. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hypothyroidism
5. MedicalNewsToday. (2024). What are the risk factors for hypothyroidism?: Prevention and Treatment of Complications. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hypothyroidism-risk-factors
6. British Thyroid Foundation. (N.D). Older patients and thyroid disease. Retrieved from https://www.btf-thyroid.org/older-patients-and-thyroid-disease
7. Cleveland Clinic. (N.D). Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
8. Cleveland Clinic. (N.D). Subclinical Hypothyroidism. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23544-subclinical-hypothyroidism
