Meaning of Hypothyroidism

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a state where there is a deficiency of Thyroid Hormoneis a state of insufficient action. Thyroid hormones are involved in various processes, including energy use, body temperature, heart rate, bowel movements, and reproductive functions.

It is not the same as having a 'slow metabolism' or a 'body prone to weight gain.' It is a disease where function is verified through symptoms and standard blood tests to distinguish the cause.

Is it the same as Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid and is a common cause of hypothyroidism. In the early stages, function may be normal or temporary patterns of hormone excess may appear.

Not all hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's disease. Other causes include thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine treatment, thyroiditis, certain medications, and pituitary gland issues.

What symptoms may appear?

Fatigue, difficulty tolerating cold, dryness of skin and hair, constipation, muscle pain, slow pulse, feelings of depression, and changes in menstruation may occur. Some also report a feeling of swelling in the face or limbs and weight gain.

Most of these are symptoms that can occur in other situations as well. The fact that several symptoms overlap can be a reason to get tested, but it is not a diagnosis in itself.

Why can weight increase?

Energy consumption may decrease, and activity levels and bowel movements may change; additionally, changes in salt and water processing can increase body fluids, causing the number on the scale to rise. Not all increase is body fat, and it is usually difficult to explain a large, sustained weight gain by the thyroid alone.

If there is a sudden, significant change in weight, we check diet, medication, sleep, and other diseases together. We do not overlook other causes by simply concluding it is 'because of the thyroid.'

Does this mean my basal metabolic rate is low?

In uncontrolled hypothyroidism, Energy expenditure at restthe basal metabolic rate may decrease. However, online calculators only estimate based on values such as age, gender, and weight; they do not measure thyroid function.

calculated Basal Metabolic RateA low value does not necessarily mean hypothyroidism has occurred, nor does a normal value rule out thyroid problems. Functional evaluation is primarily based on blood tests.

What do TSH and free T4 indicate?

TSH is a stimulation signal sent from the pituitary gland to the thyroid, and free T4 measures the primary thyroid hormone available in the blood. In common primary hypothyroidism, TSH may be high and free T4 may be low.

Patterns may vary depending on pituitary issues, pregnancy, acute illness, and medications. Results are interpreted alongside laboratory reference ranges, previous trends, and individual circumstances.

What is subclinical hypothyroidism?

This generally refers to a test pattern where TSH is high, but free T4 remains within the reference range. The term 'subclinical' does not necessarily mean there are no symptoms or that it will immediately progress to a severe disease.

Decisions regarding follow-up and treatment vary based on the level of TSH, repeated results, antibodies, symptoms, age, and pregnancy status. A single borderline value does not automatically determine a lifelong need for medication.

Are there factors that affect the tests?

Acute illness, the period during and after pregnancy and childbirth, steroids, certain cardiac or mental health medications, and the timing of thyroid hormone medication intake can affect the interpretation of results. Biotin supplements may interfere with some thyroid antibody tests, so they should be reported before testing.

Rather than stopping medication arbitrarily, provide the supplement name, dosage, and time of last intake to the laboratory and medical staff, and follow their guidance.

Will I lose weight immediately after taking hormone medication?

Properly supplementing deficient hormones can resolve water retention and some metabolic changes, but thyroid hormone medication is not a weight-loss drug. If a person with normal levels takes more for the purpose of weight loss, it can be harmful to the heart, bones, and muscles.

The optimal dose is determined based on tests, symptoms, age, pregnancy, and other circumstances. Dosage is not adjusted based solely on changes on the scale.

Is it possible not to lose weight even if the levels are normal?

Yes, it is possible. Once thyroid function stabilizes, subsequent weight changes may be more significantly influenced by intake, activity muscle mass, sleep, stress, and the effects of other medications.

In such cases, rather than increasing the thyroid medication, we examine the trends in diet, activity, and weight over 2 to 4 weeks. Other clues such as snoring, daytime sleepiness, menstrual changes, or edema are also checked.

Is it related to cholesterol?

Uncontrolled hypothyroidism can increase LDL Cholesteroland other lipid levels. If lipid results have worsened, the thyroid status and medication are reviewed together before concluding it is solely a dietary issue.

Lipid levels may change after thyroid treatment, but not all dyslipidemiaIt is not due to this hypothyroidism. Both tests are confirmed by trend.

What are the recommendations for diet and exercise?

A sustainable diet including sufficient protein and dietary fiber, along with walking and strength training, helps maintain weight and function. Claims that a specific food can 'wake up' the thyroid or replace hormone medication must be evaluated for evidence and safety.

If you are experiencing severe fatigue, it is difficult to sustain a plan if you drastically reduce calories or suddenly increase exercise. We will adjust these gradually after checking your functional status and physical strength.

What are the signs that prompt medical evaluation is needed?

Although rare, myxedema coma, an emergency state where severe hypothyroidism progresses to cause low body temperature, severe drowsiness or changes in consciousness, slow breathing, and low blood pressure, is a critical emergency. You must not wait, assuming it is simple fatigue.

Use 119 or your nearest emergency medical system and provide information regarding your thyroid diagnosis, medications, and any recent infections or exposure to cold.

What should I disclose during a Baekrok Gambi-jeong consultation?

Please provide your recent TSH and free T4 results, the diagnosed cause, the name, dosage, and intake time of your thyroid hormone medication, and any recent changes in weight, edema, constipation, or fatigue. Please also share information on lipid-lowering drugs or other prescription medications and supplements.

If your pulse, sleep, or weight change unexpectedly while taking Baekrok Gambi-jeong, do not adjust your thyroid medication or prescription on your own; contact Baekrokdam before your next dose.

Where can I find a detailed explanation of the condition?

This document is a glossary summarizing terms and their connection to weight management. For tests by cause, hormone treatment, and long-term follow-up, please refer to the Hypothyroidism Guide from Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinicyou can find more details here.

After understanding the unfamiliar terms here, you can further review the tests by cause and the medical evaluation process in the disease guide from Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.