What is Hypothyroidism ?

Hypothyroidism is a clinical syndrome caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones. This condition usually results from insufficient production of these hormones by the thyroid gland or, in rare cases, from decreased biological activity of the hormones at the tissue level.

Prevalence

Hypothyroidism occurs significantly more often in women than in men (approximately 10:1 ratio). It is most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged 50–60, although it may be observed at any age.

Causes

The most frequent cause is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), where the immune system produces organ-specific antibodies that damage hormone-producing thyroid cells, leading to decreased function of the gland.
Other possible causes include:

• Total or subtotal thyroidectomy (surgical removal of the thyroid gland)
• Treatment with radioactive iodine
• Use of antithyroid medications (sometimes prescribed inappropriately)
• Thyroid cancer or metastases to the gland
• Infiltrative diseases such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, or amyloidosis
• Severe iodine deficiency

When to Suspect Hypothyroidism

There are several nonspecific symptoms commonly seen in hypothyroidism, including:

• Generalized weakness
• Excessive sleepiness
• Slowed movements and speech
• Chronic fatigue
• Hair thinning or loss
• Dry skin
• Mild weight gain
• Poor memory
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent episodes of low mood or depression
• Sensation of irregular heart rhythm
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Menstrual irregularities
• Infertility
• Sleep disturbances

Why Is It Important to Maintain Normal Thyroid Hormone Levels?

Thyroid hormone receptors are present in almost all organs and systems. These hormones are essential for regulating metabolism and maintaining proper function across all body systems. When thyroid hormones are deficient, metabolic processes slow down, leading to widespread functional impairments. Because the symptoms are nonspecific and overlap with many other conditions, diagnosis may be delayed. Patients often receive ineffective treatment from other specialists before being referred to an endocrinologist.

Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is made based on laboratory tests assessing thyroid function:

• Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Normal or decreased levels of free thyroxine (FT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3)

Treatment

Hypothyroidism treatment is based on hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium. Therapy should be prescribed and monitored by an endocrinologist under proper medical supervision.

Satenik Movsisyan, Endocrinologist

Satenik Movsisyan

 

Education

 

• 1997-2007 Secondary School No. 1 named after Grigor Narekatsi, Metsamor, Armavir Region.
• 1998-2005 Piano Department of the Art School named after Charles Aznavour, Metsamor
• 2007-2012 Bachelor's degree in the Faculty of Medicine, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi.
• 2012-2015 Master's degree in the Faculty of Medicine, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi.
• 2015-2018 Clinical residency in the specialty "Pediatric Endocrinology". Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi.

 

Professional activity

 

• 02.2019 - 10.2019 - endocrinologist at the RMC "Armenia"
• 10.2019 - present - endocrinologist at the MC "Cardiolife"
• 01.2023 - present - endocrinologist at the MC "VitaMed"

 

Trainings

 

• 11.12.2018 - 12.28.2018 - advanced training course "Modern issues of clinical endocrinology" (for endocrinologists and pediatric endocrinologists)
• 11.25.2024-12.06.2024 - advanced training course on the topic "Current issues of dietetics and nutrition"

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