Gained 3 kg in half a year! Hypothyroidism

If you experience sudden and unexplained weight gain or memory loss, be careful as it may be "hypothyroidism". A 28-year-old woman gained 3 kg in half a year, felt listless all day, and often felt difficulty in swallowing. Another 78-year-old grandmother recently experienced obvious memory loss, and her daughter-in-law thought it was dementia. After medical examination, it was found that it was not dementia, but hypothyroidism. They both suffered from hypothyroidism.

If you experience sudden and unexplained weight gain or memory loss, be careful as it may be hypothyroidism.

Dr. Hong Jiande, director of the Metabolism Department of Shutian Clinic, who treated these two cases, pointed out that "hypothyroidism" means that the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs, which will cause the body's metabolism to slow down. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the front and lower part of the neck. It is more common in women and is mainly diagnosed through medical history, blood tests and symptoms.

Hypothyroidism is more common in middle-aged women

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include: memory loss, inattention, weight gain, swallowing discomfort, drowsiness, chills, constipation, slowed reaction, etc. The cause may be familial thyroid autoimmune disease, thyroid inflammation leading to decreased function, problems with the pituitary gland, previous radioactive iodine treatment, previous thyroidectomy, etc.

In fact, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are easily confused with the physiological phenomena of aging. In particular, the metabolism of patients with hypothyroidism slows down, just like Superman without power, and they can't muster the energy for daily activities. Older patients may even have symptoms of memory deterioration suspected of dementia. The male-to-female ratio of this disease is 1:8, and middle-aged women are at high risk of the disease.

To improve hypothyroidism, the intake of cruciferous foods such as broccoli should be limited. (Photo/File Photo)

Take medication regularly and carefully limit cruciferous foods

In terms of treatment, drug treatment and oral thyroid hormone supplementation are recommended, and lifelong supplementation may be required. Generally, after taking the medicine for 2 months, the blood concentration can be restored to the same as that of normal people, and the symptoms can be relieved after 8 months. However, it should be noted that the dosage should be taken according to the doctor's instructions and the dosage should not be adjusted by yourself. If you stop taking the medicine by yourself, the original discomfort symptoms will gradually return, and it will be futile.

In addition, stress, emotions, and staying up late can easily make the symptoms of hypothyroidism more severe. Therefore, it is best to develop regular living habits to reduce long-term stress accumulation. In terms of diet, the amount of cruciferous foods such as kale, broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, and white radish should be controlled. Excessive intake may affect the utilization of iodine and further suppress thyroid function.

Nutritionist Wang Zinan explained that there are many types of cruciferous foods. If the symptoms of hypothyroidism have been stabilized or even cured after treatment, the daily intake of cruciferous foods is less restricted. If the patient is in a state of hypothyroidism, it is recommended to discuss with a physician and nutritionist and carefully control the amount of food consumed. But in principle, under the premise of the Chinese daily dietary guideline of "3 vegetables and 2 fruits a day", patients can take half a bowl of cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, and melons and fruits at three meals in turn, that is, half a bowl of cruciferous foods a day. The amount is not much, and it will not have much effect on hypothyroidism.

【Doctor's Tips】:

Early diagnosis and treatment can often improve clinical symptoms and avoid serious complications. Therefore, if you have any suspected symptoms, you should seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. However, if left untreated for a long time, mucus will accumulate in the body, the skin will thicken, the tongue will become coarser, the voice will become deeper, and in severe cases, the heartbeat will slow down, respiratory failure may occur, and even death may occur. This condition must not be taken lightly.