Anyone who went through Year 8 biology would know each organ, gland and cell in the human body plays a very specific role in keeping our bodies in tip-top shape.

While most bodily functions tick along behind the scenes without needing any instruction or intervention, when something hits a roadblock, even the smallest components of the human body can have pretty noticeable – even life-threatening – effects on how we function as a whole. 

One serious condition linked to the thyroid gland belongs in that category – and testing rates in Australia appear to be on the rise.

Being a hormone-driven condition, hypothyroidism undoubtedly impacts several female-centric health concerns, such as fertility, post-partum recovery and menopause. 

To answer your burning questions, Body+Soul spoke with two experts in the field – Dr Kavita Krishnan, Perinatal Specialist GP, and Dr Raelia Lew, gynaecologist and fertility specialist. 

What is hypothyroidism?

In order to correctly understand this condition, Dr Krishnan first explains the multifaceted function of the thyroid gland, “It’s a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in your lower neck and is signalled to produce thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) from available iodine,” she says. 

Thyroid dysfunction and disease occur when the body has an inadequate intake of dietary iodine, there are problems with signalling the gland to produce hormones, or the thyroid gland responds either too eagerly (hyperthyroidism) or not at all. 

The latter is known as hypothyroidism – or a deficiency or too low level of circulating thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

According to both experts, untreated hypothyroidism can wreak havoc on the body – especially for women. 

“The textbook presentation is hair loss, mood changes, changes in period cycles, heat intolerance, and difficulty shifting weight,” says Dr Krishnan. “But I see and manage a lot of thyroid disease and to be honest, that description is outdated.”

In addition to these common symptoms, hypothyroidism can manifest in fertility and egg quality issues too, depression, dry skin, slowed bowel transit and constipation, and sometimes the development of an enlarged thyroid gland, commonly known as a ‘goitre’.

Common treatment methods

Considering the detrimental list of symptoms this condition is responsible for, people will be pleased to know hypothyroidism is very easily treated in most cases, with a range of holistic and medical options available. 

“The most common treatment course is to replace thyroid hormone in tablet form,” says Dr Lew. “Thyroid balance or homeostasis can be titrated, using blood test measurements to ensure the dose of thyroid hormone prescribed for you meets your needs.”

“I counsel my patients to think of it the way they would a supplement: a daily dose to help kick start this glandular system to work better to optimise their cell function,” adds Dr Krishnan.

Who is at risk of hypothyroidism? 

According to Dr Lew, some of the main causes of hypothyroidism include previous thyroid surgery, dietary iodine deficiency, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or a burned-out thyroid after having Graves disease or following treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.

“Rarer causes of hypothyroidism include thyroid birth defects, pituitary or hypothalamic endocrine problems, or as a side effect of a particular drug such as lithium,” she adds.

As both experts explain, women – especially postpartum mothers and women who are pregnant or over 40 – have a higher risk of developing Hypothyroidism. As genetic predisposition often plays a role, those with a family history of autoimmune conditions are encouraged to have regular reviews with their doctor to monitor for any early signs. 

Why is hypothyroidism testing surging in Australia?

While a surge in testing and hypothyroidism diagnoses may appear to be something to worry about, Dr Krishnan says the increasing numbers are actually a great sign of how far our understanding and treatment of the condition has come. 

“The main reason is that we are effectively treating and looking after women the way we should have been,” she says. “We understand more about the HPA and the glandular systems than we ever have before! And I’m excited, as knowledge is power!”

Dr Lew also notes the nature of the disease and how it presents in patients has a lot to do with how testing guidelines have been set up. 

“Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are relatively non-specific and subclinical hypothyroidism (mild concerns) may be noted on testing when patients visit a GP for a blood test and check-up,” she says. 

“Australia RACGP guidelines for subclinical hypothyroidism recommend repeat testing rather than prescribing immediate treatments so many patients who monitored with testing won’t end up requiring treatment with thyroid medications.”

Lastly, Dr Krishnan explains how dietary trends and changes may be having an impact on hypothyroidism cases in Australia, “We were seeing a rise in hypothyroidism due to the popularity of pink Himalayan salt. Because it does not have added iodine,” she says. 

“In borderline hypothyroidism increasing iodine-rich foods and iodised salt can make a big difference!”