Broadly speaking, in the general population the main cause of hypothyroidism would be iodine deficiency. But in developed countries such as ours where iodized salt is available, the most frequent cause is autoimmune or chronic inflammatory origin. It usually appears more in women than in men, being between 5 and 8 times more frequent. The most frequent age of diagnosis begins at 30-50 years of age, the peak being at 60 years of age.
How can we know when we put on weight due to thyroid disease?
If the weight gain is associated with other symptoms such as tiredness, cold, dry skin, sleepiness, swelling of the legs and eyelids and hair loss, it suggests that the weight gain may be related to undiagnosed hypothyroidism. In addition, hypothyroidism is associated with a slow metabolism (body energy expenditure). The use of certain diets and especially certain drugs can worsen symptoms and can potentially be dangerous.
Is there any treatment for hypothyroidism?
Through thyroid hormone. It is a natural and very safe treatment that has no contraindications, side effects or interactions with any other medication.
Sometimes severe hypothyroidism can cause obesity. Mild or moderate hypothyroidism will not cause it but may make weight loss attempts ineffective.