Dizziness and Thyroid - What Are the Relationships?

introduction

At first glance it seems that there is no clear connection between dizziness and thyroid.
But if you take a closer look at the typical symptoms of those with thyroid disease, especially those with a Hypothyroidism (in medical terminology too Hypothyroidism called), the dizziness increasingly important.

Causes of the appearance of dizziness related to the thyroid gland

The possible cause of the occurrence of dizziness related to the thyroid gland is primarily the one Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). At this lacks it on Thyroid hormones. There are various reasons for this:

The lack of thyroid hormones can increase numerous symptoms to lead, dizziness is one of them. It can occur in a wide variety of situations. Since there are innumerable causes for dizziness to occur, its occurrence is not specific for the presence of a thyroid disease. If dizziness persists and recurs for a long time, a doctor should be consulted. This can, for example, clarify various causes using blood tests. A thyroid disease would also be noticed here.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

In the Hypothyroidism is it a Thyroid production disorderwhere the important and vital thyroid hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4) are reduced. T3 and T4 have a great influence on the body's metabolism, circulation, growth and psyche.

A deficiency can thus affect various body functions to have. Most patients complain over fatigue, Loss of appetite and Weight gain, but also hair loss, a feeling of weakness and excessive freezing are not infrequently described.
In most cases there is no cure for the hypothyroidism, but an adapted one Hormone replacement therapy very easy to treat and therefore almost symptom-free.

There are several possible causes: The most common cause of one decreased thyroid hormone production is an autoimmune inflammation (autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
Here, the body's own defense cells wrongly attack the body's own thyroid tissue.

Other possible causes are also disorders in the brain area.
Of the Hypothalamus (part of the diencephalon) and the Pituitary gland (Pituitary gland) normally send impulses to the thyroid gland, through which they provide information about the current hormone level and thus either stimulate or inhibit thyroid hormone production.
If this is damaged by a tumor, for example, it can lead to increased or decreased production.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis

The Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid inflammation that contributes to the Zdestruction of thyroid tissue and thus to one Reduction in thyroid hormone production leads. In most cases the disease begins insidiously and is hardly noticed in the beginning.

Read more about the topic here: Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland or Hashimoto's thyroiditis

As mentioned earlier, the main cause of dizziness is related to the thyroid gland Deficiency of thyroid hormones, so the hypothyroidism. Possible symptoms that can occur in addition to dizziness are those with a "Shut down" normal body functions.

So there can be symptoms like Fatigue, listlessness, weight gain and Constipation (Constipation) because of decreased metabolic activity, rapid freezing (Cold intolerance), Difficulty concentrating, slow heartbeat, hair loss, drying of the skin and Develop a rough voice occur.

In some cases, hypothyroidism manifests itself first as one depressed moodwho leads the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The first noticeable symptoms of inflammation are common similarity with which one Hyperthyroidism (Hyperthyroidism) and include, among other things Tremors, irritability, insomnia, sweating, irregular heartbeat and weight loss.

These can occur to an individual degree, so that some patients perceive them as strong and annoying, while others hardly notice the phase of hyperfunction. The next step is the subfunction phase in which classic symptoms of underfunction (see above) become continuously stronger and therapy becomes necessary.

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dizziness

Since Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an immune disease, the typical symptoms of an immune disease can also occur here.
In most cases, these cannot be clearly delineated from the symptoms associated with a change in thyroid hormone level. If it is possible to compensate for a too low concentration of thyroid hormones with medication, neither the classic symptoms of hypofunction nor those of an immune disease usually occur.

Without therapy, however, there is usually a clearly noticeable development of immune disease symptoms.
It is not uncommon for patients to describe neurological symptoms such as Unsteady gait, visual disturbances and dizziness.
The Hashimoto vertigo is often similar to the vertigo of a drunkard. Those affected therefore often experience restrictions in their everyday life. Walks, cycling, but also moving around within your own apartment becomes a challenge.

Since the symptom dizziness cannot be clearly assigned to a thyroid disease, eye and ear dysfunction must also be ruled out as a possible cause. In most cases, dizziness can be controlled well with appropriate drug-based hormone replacement therapy. If, despite taking thyroxine, it occurs frequently and severely, this could be an indication of incorrect dosage of the medication. In this case, the thyroid hormone levels in the blood should be checked and, if necessary, the therapy should be adjusted by the family doctor.

Drowsiness

Dizziness and that Feeling light-headed such as Unsteadiness and Exhaustion are symptoms that can often occur in the context of an underactive thyroid. Guilt is a Deficiency of thyroid hormones which leads to the body's state of activity being downregulated.

Unsteadiness

The combination out dizziness and Unsteadiness can be part of a Hypothyroidism occur.

An unsteady gait is otherwise more likely neurological symptom. Unsteady gait in the context of a thyroid dysfunction can mean, for example, that walking is less secure due to a feeling of drowsiness.

Faint

In rare cases can be pronounced hypothyroidism to one Myxedema coma to lead. Here it comes to one Loss of consciousness.

An significant decrease in body temperature (Hypothermia), a very slow heartbeat (Bradycardia) and one decreased breathing occur.

Here is a very quick treatment required the disease is life threatening. With today's medical care in industrialized nations, myxedema coma has become very rare.

nausea

Many patients with one Hypothyroidism or one Hashimoto's thyroiditis describe the occurrence of nausea at the same time as dizziness. Others notice the nausea particularly strongly when a change in therapy is made. However, all patients experience a restrictive effect on everyday life, which in severe cases can even lead to a noticeable reduction in quality of life.

Basically, the therapy for nausea depends on the underlying cause. However, if nausea occurs despite hormone replacement therapy, the use of Anti-emetic agents (Antiemetics) possible. Here, however, the advice of the family doctor should be obtained. In mild cases of nausea, it is also possible Home remedies how to resort to ginger rhizome. In any case, the daily dose of medication should be checked.

a headache

A direct connection between headache and thyroid disease has not yet been proven. However, many patients with insufficiently treated hypothyroidism describe bilateral, non-pulsating, long-lasting headaches.

Migraine sufferers can even have frequent and prolonged seizures. However, once the underactive thyroid is successfully treated, the headache usually goes away within a week.

Read more on the topic: Dizziness and headache

fatigue

fatigue often goes with listlessness, one increased need for sleep as well as indifference and is a typical sign of a Hypothyroidism represent.

For many patients, the unusually pronounced fatigue is even one of the first symptoms.
It can be explained by the fact that a lack of thyroid hormones can lead to reduced energy production and thus all body functions are slowed down or reduced, including waking up.

Just like the other symptoms of thyroid dysfunction, fatigue can be due to a fitting Hormone replacement therapy be treated.

Symptoms of an overactive thyroid

Racing heart

The symptom Racing heart in most cases becomes more of a Hyperthyroidism associated with the production of too many thyroid hormones. There is too much thyroid hormone in the body and one Over-activation of body functions. The heart is also affected and it can lead to one fast heartbeat (Tachycardia) or even the onset of Cardiac arrhythmias (for example atrial fibrillation). If the thyroid is underactive, the heartbeat is more likely to slow down (bradycardia).
Often it goes with one increased blood pressure and is expressed in the form of inner restlessness and nervousness.

The symptom can also be relieved by suitable therapy for the hyperfunction Racing heart to treat well.
In rare cases, the rapid pulse can develop into a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, which is why it is advisable to contact a doctor in the event of prolonged stops.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is a symptom that can have many different causes. In relation to the thyroid gland - in contrast to dizziness - it is more likely typical of an overactive thyroid. One reason for the shortness of breath can be Racing heart or Cardiac arrhythmias be.

Due to the rapid heartbeat, the affected person can feel bad air to get this can be done with a Feeling anxious accompanied. A shortness of breath in this context is more likely attacks on.

Is the thyroid gland due to overactive very much enlarged, it can lead to a shortage of breath permanently present is. This can then possibly be due to the fact that the thyroid gland is significantly enlarged presses on the windpipe and this narrows.

But also one Hypothyroidism can become a Enlargement of the thyroid gland (Goiter, goiter) and thus narrow the airways and lead to shortness of breath.

Visual disturbances

dizziness as it can occur with an underactive thyroid, can occasionally also occur with Visual disturbances accompanied.

Thyroid-related vision problems are more common, however, in a certain form of the Hyperthyroidism, the Graves disease. This can lead to a Eye involvement come (endocrine orbitopathy). Outwardly, this disease can mainly be recognized by the fact that the eyes seem to protrude far out of the skull and look like "torn". As part of this disease, it often occurs Visual disturbances, for example for Double vision (Double vision) or Blurred vision.

Tremble

The appearance of Tremble is related to the thyroid gland more common with overactive found in the thyroid.

Here it comes next to that Increase in heartbeat (Tachycardia) and Body temperature (Hyperthermia) as well Restlessness and frequent diarrhea not infrequently to one tremor (Trembling of the hands). This is due to the overactivation of the body due to too much thyroid hormones.

Anxiety

That too Appearance of anxiety is more common by patients who have a Hyperthyroidism described while dizziness occurs in an overactive thyroid in exceptional cases. Accompanying the feeling of fear can, among other things Palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, one Increase in body temperature, strong restlessness, Diarrhea and Weight loss occur.

sweat

Increased sweating is a common sign of a Hyperthyroidism. Due to the excessive hormone production, the body's metabolic processes run at full speed and thus lead to an increased release of heat in the form of sweat.
Furthermore have Thyroid hormones Influence on that Sensation of warmth and cold our body and can send wrong impulses in case of incorrect concentrations.

Everyday activities, such as climbing stairs or carrying shopping bags, can lead to excessive exertion and thus to an unusually heavy production of sweat.
But even at rest, some patients will have a Hyperthyroidism Sweats described.
However, as soon as the hormone level is in the normal range, sweating returns to the normal level for the individual.
If the thyroid is underactive, sweating is less to be expected as a typical symptom.

Therapy - what is the treatment for hypothyroidism?

Is the dizziness related to a Hypothyroidism the subfunction must be treated. This is usually done by the Substitution (replacement) of thyroid hormones in the form of tablets (Thyroxine).

Usually a low dose is started, the dose is then slowly increased depending on the patient's response and blood values. The Complaints should under therapy slowly declining so is the dizziness. So there is generally no need for additional therapy to treat dizziness in the context of an underactive thyroid. If the dizziness persists under adequate treatment, a clarify the possible causes again respectively.

How long does the dizziness associated with hypothyroidism last?

Dizziness in itself usually occurs in the form of rather short attacks on. Exceptions to this are neurologically induced forms of vertigo.

Dizziness, which occurs in the context of an underactive thyroid, can show itself in different ways, it can also lead to short attacks of dizziness, but it can also be permanent feeling of "foggy" occur. After thyroid hormone therapy has been initiated, dizziness should occur within days to a few weeks clear declining be.

Dizziness after eating due to thyroid disease

That in the context of a thyroid disease in particular dizziness after taking a meal occurs is rather unusual. However, since dizziness can manifest itself in a variety of ways, it does occur after eating theoretically possible. Usually this has, however no direct connection with food intake.

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