Hypothyroidism, the reduced function of the thyroid, has seen an increase in the number of cases estimated up to 35% in the last few years. Although this increase is related to the aging population and the spread of diagnostic and preventive tools, environmental interference is not excluded. Dr. Antonio Stamegna, endocrinologist, intervenes on the topic.
What are the symptoms related to hypothyroidism?
A state of general indisposition where a condition of chronic fatigue, apathy, drowsiness, cognitive and memory deficits, blurred head, chilliness, swelling, weight gain prevails.
From the symptomatology we start to study the function of the thyroid by means of an ultrasound and the measurement of some specific hormonal parameters.
What is the main reason of hypothyroidism?
No doubt an inflammation of an autoimmune type with a chronically evolutive character (Hashimoto’s most frequent and frequent thyroiditis).
How do we get chronic autoimmune thyroiditis?
There is no single cause but a series of pathologies (mononucleosis, inflammation of various kinds of the respiratory tract) or special hormonal situations (menarche, pregnancy and delivery, menopause) which are the triggering causes of the autoimmune process. Who in these moments is in a condition of reduced immune defenses (hypovitaminosis D for example) develops thyroiditis.
how to proceed in these cases?
Much depends on the damage done by the thyroid and the reduction of its function. The reduction of some pro-inflammatory foods (gluten and lactose) and the combination of selenium and vitamin D result in a reduction of the autoimmune process. Often it is necessary to add a share of deficient thyroid hormones.
Is this a “lifetime” therapy?
Supplementary or replacement therapy with thyroid hormones in post-thyroid hypothyroidism is a chronic therapy that should be followed throughout life. Thyroiditis is not healed but the autoimmune process can be stopped by safeguarding the thyroid function as much as possible.
Are there any innovations in hormone treatment of hypothyroidism?
There are many novelties concerning the different hormone formulations: nowadays it is more and more affirming the combined therapy with both thyroid hormones. Not only T4 but also T3 to get as close as possible to the hormonal condition preceding thyroiditis.
Some patients are still treated with the extract from the pig’s thyroid, the “dry” thyroid. Do you agree with this therapy?
It is a therapeutic possibility that I do not exclude. Especially in small doses I have found that it is very effective in stopping the autoimmune process by inducing a reduction in antibodies and TSH in the early stages.
More info  (www.antoniostamegna.it) (info@antoniostamegna.it)
By Roberta Imbimbo
