The Effects of Hypothyroidism on Vertigo
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can occur at any age, but older adults are more affected by it. Approximately 10 million Americans have it, according to Endocrine Web. After age 65, 10 percent of women and 6 percent of men get it, according to Merck. It can potentially be the cause of, or contribute to, vertigo.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when the body has a deficiency in hormones produced by the thyroid gland 1. It is the result of an autoimmune disease (such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or can be caused by iodine therapy or thyroid removal. Symptoms include unexplained coldness, forgetfulness, constipation, weight gain and fatigue.
Vertigo
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Vertigo is a feeling of movement when motion is not happening. It can occur all the time or only when the body is in certain positions. Some of the causes include migraines, brain trauma, stress, central nervous system problems, multiple sclerosis, dehydration, cardiovascular disease and neck injuries.cause:
- Some of the causes include migraines
- brain trauma
- stress
- central nervous system problems
- multiple sclerosis
- dehydration
- cardiovascular disease
- neck injuries
The Neurology Channel claims that thyroid disorders can cause vertigo. The Merck Manual of Health & Aging also says that dizziness is associated with an underactive thyroid.
- Vertigo is a feeling of movement when motion is not happening.
- The Merck Manual of Health & Aging also says that dizziness is associated with an underactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism and Hearing Loss
Hypothyroidism is also associated with loss of hearing, according to eHealthMD. The loss of hearing may cause vertigo sensations. About 3 percent of those with Meniere's syndrome (a collection of symptoms including vertigo) also have hypothyroidism, according to The Merck Manual of Health & Aging. With treatment, both can be improved.
- Hypothyroidism is also associated with loss of hearing, according to eHealthMD.
Hypothyroidism's Effect on Vertigo
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While hypothyroidism can cause sensations of dizziness or vertigo, it may also contribute to conditions like hearing loss or elevated triglycerides, which can be associated with vertigo too. Hypothyroidism can not only cause vertigo, but can worsen the symptoms of vertigo.
Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors typically perform a blood test to determine hypothyroidism. In those with the condition, blood tests will reveal that T4 (the main thyroid hormone) is low and TSH (a thyroid stimulating hormone) is high in an attempt to compensate for low T4. To correct the imbalance, doctors usually prescribe hormone replacement medication. Those who are diagnosed with severe hypothyroidism may need to be hospitalized until their condition improves.
- Doctors typically perform a blood test to determine hypothyroidism.
- In those with the condition, blood tests will reveal that T4 (the main thyroid hormone) is low and TSH (a thyroid stimulating hormone) is high in an attempt to compensate for low T4.
Related Articles
References
- Endocrine Web: Hypothyroidism: Too Little Thyroid Hormone
- InformedHealth.org. Underactive thyroid: Overview. Updated August 10, 2017.
- Segni M. Disorders of the Thyroid Gland in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext. Updated March 18, 2017.
- Almandoz JP, Gharib H. Hypothyroidism: etiology, diagnosis, and management. Med Clin North Am. 2012;96(2):203-21. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2012.01.005
- Biondi B, Wartofsky L. Combination treatment with T4 and T3: toward personalized replacement therapy in hypothyroidism?. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97(7):2256-71. doi:10.1210/jc.2011-3399
- Hennessey JV, Espaillat R. Current evidence for the treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine/levotriiodothyronine combination therapy versus levothyroxine monotherapy. Int J Clin Pract. 2018;72(2):e13062. doi:10.1111/ijcp.13062
- Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the american thyroid association task force on thyroid hormone replacement. Thyroid. 2014;24(12):1670–1751. doi:10.1089/thy.2014.0028
- Garber J et. al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocr Pract. 2012 Nov-Dec;18(6):988-1028.
- American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). Hypothyroidism (Underactive).
- Braverman, L, Cooper D. Werner & Ingbar's The Thyroid, 10th Edition. WLL/Wolters Kluwer; 2012.
- Surks MI. (2017). Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. Ross DS, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.
- Sworczak K, Wisniewski P. The role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2011;62(4):340-44.
Writer Bio
Based in Colorado Springs, Vanessa Newman writes for "Women's Edition" magazine and has been published in "Rocky Mountain Sports," "IDEA" magazine and "The Teaching Professor." She has been writing professionally for over 10 years and holds a master's degree in sports medicine. She has written online courses for companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Chevron, but prefers creative writing.