What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) include a slowing of body function, slower thinking, depression, coldness, constipation, muscle weakness, abnormal periods, and slowing of the metabolism, leading to moderate weight gain. Some patients also have goiter. However, many patients with hypothyroidism do not have symptoms, so screening with a blood test is important.
Symptoms for hypothyroidism vary among individuals. Common symptoms that appear early in the disease include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, brittle and thin hair and nails, pain in the joints and muscles, constipation, dry skin, heavy menstrual periods in women, fertility problems, depression, and a slower heartbeat.
If the disease has progressed or gone untreated for some time, additional symptoms that may appear include puffiness, especially of the face, feet, and hands; thick skin; thinning eyebrows; slow speech; a hoarse voice; and diminished ability to taste and smell.
Those with Hashimoto's disease (an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism) are inclined to have goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland that makes the base of the throat swell) and a full feeling in the throat.
You are more likely to develop thyroid problems as you age. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid problems. The thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck in front of your trachea (or windpipe). It has two sides and is shaped like a butterfly. It regulates metabolism and can be involved in certain forms of reversible dementia.
If there is not enough thyroid hormone in the bloodstream, the body's metabolism slows down. This is called hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, hair thinning, weakness, and mental confusion. In most cases, hypothyroidism is treated with medication that contains the thyroid hormone.
If there is too much thyroid hormone, your metabolism speeds up. This is called hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tachycardia (fast and sometimes irregular heartbeat), protruding eyes and other eye changes, nervousness, and anxiety. Treatment for hyperthyroidism lowers the amount of thyroid hormone and relieves your symptoms.
The symptoms of thyroid problems are sometimes mistaken as signs of the menopause transition. Also, the changing estrogen level due to menopause or hormone treatment can complicate the measurement of thyroid hormone level, making the diagnosis of thyroid problems more difficult. If you have symptoms of the thyroid disease, learn more about the condition from your health care provider and other sources, and consider getting tested.
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