This post was originally published on this site
Hypothyroidism, also called low or underactive thyroid, is a relatively common condition that develops when your thyroid — a butterfly-shaped gland located at the bottom-front of your neck — doesn’t produce enough hormones. Causes of hypothyroidism include having undergone thyroid surgery, inflammation in the thyroid from autoimmune disease (increased likelihood if you have a family history of the disease), or taking certain kinds of medication.
Which People Are At Risk for Hypothyroidism? Risk Factors Men , teens, and even infants can develop hypothyroidism, but if you’re a woman over age 60, you’re most at risk of low thyroid. In fact, women in general are 5 to 8 times more likely to develop thyroid disease. ( 1 ) Studies have also suggested ethnicity may affect your chances of developing hypothyroidism. For example, research has suggested that white people are more likely than Black people and Asian American and Pacific Islanders to develop Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. ( 2 )
Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Potential Signs Keeping these risk factors in mind is important, but knowing the signs of hypothyroidism is equally important. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done, considering thyroid hormones affect more than a few body functions and therefore can lead to a range of symptoms that can vary by age group.
Symptoms in Adults Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Adults Adults with hypothyroidism may have any of the following symptoms: ( 3 ) High cholesterol Puffy face Weight gain Fatigue Sensitivity to cold Constipation Slowed heart rate Memory decline Stiff, swollen, or achy joints Irregular or heavy periods Muscle weakness, aches, stiffness, or tenderness Hoarseness
Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Infants Symptoms in Infants Babies born without a thyroid gland or with a dysfunctional thyroid gland may develop hypothyroidism. (3) Thyroid function is typically screened at birth. These individuals may not have signs or symptoms of the condition, but when they do, they include: Recurrent choking Growth abnormalities Yellowed whites of eyes or skin (jaundice) Puffy skin Constant sleepiness Constipation
Signs of Hypothyroidism in Children and Teenagers Symptoms in Adolescents Just like infants, children and teens are also at risk of hypothyroidism. Often, symptoms in this age group mimic those of adults. (3) Signs in this age group include: Cognitive delays Short stature Late development of permanent teeth Delayed puberty
If You Have a Symptom of Hypothyroidism, Should You Be Worried? When to Worry The most common hypothyroid symptoms are fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, slower metabolism, and dry skin, while more surprising signs may be a slower heart rate, joint and muscle pain, and dry or puffy skin, says Gregory Dodell, MD , assistant clinical professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Some people might experience one symptom but not the others. Another possibility is having multiple symptoms with different causes. For instance, fatigue could be related to a mental health condition, while a slower heart rate may be hypothyroid related. As a rule of thumb, Dr. Dodell suggests getting screened for hypothyroidism if you notice any of the symptoms below.
Weight Gain Is Often One of the First Signs of Hypothyroidism More Signs Weight gain is perhaps one of the first noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism in patients. (1) This is related to a slower than normal metabolism . Your metabolism is responsible for converting calories into energy — when the process slows down, your body doesn’t use the extra calories and then stores them as fat. The weight gained in hypothyroidism isn’t sudden. You’ll gradually notice mild to moderate weight gain. You may also find losing weight more difficult, or perhaps you gain weight despite diet and exercise. On top of that, you may also feel bloated from hypothyroid-related constipation.
Fatigue That Persists May Signal Hypothyroidism Excessive fatigue is another common symptom of hypothyroidism. (1) You may feel extremely tired all the time, no matter how much sleep you get. Habitual daytime naps or a constant need for caffeine may also be signs of excessive fatigue related to this condition (unfortunately, these practices can also make it more difficult to sleep at night). Reproductive Changes in Women Could Mean You Have Hypothyroidism Women are at an increased risk for developing thyroid disease. Women are also more likely to develop thyroid conditions after pregnancy and following menopause. ( 5 ) “Women may experience a change in their menstrual cycle if their thyroid function is off,” says Dodell. Not only might you experience irregularities in your cycle, but hypothyroidism may also cause periods that are much heavier than normal. Women who are trying to conceive may have difficulties getting pregnant. (3) “Therefore, women who are trying to get pregnant or are planning to try and get pregnant in the near future should have their thyroid levels checked,” Dodell explains. “We also monitor women who are being treated for hypothyroidism closely during pregnancy, since the dose of medication may need to be adjusted.” Menopausal women may experience worsening symptoms . Early menopause is a side effect of hypothyroidism — this occurs when the onset of menopause is before age 40. Cold Intolerance Is a Symptom of Hypothyroidism A slowed-down metabolism from hypothyroidism may also lower your body heat. This can make you more cold intolerant. Depression and Hypothyroidism Are Comorbidities A lack of adequate thyroid hormones can make you feel unusually depressed. Aside from feeling depressed, forgetfulness is also common in people with hypothyroidism. (1)
How Is Hypothyroidism Diagnosed, and What Is Subclinical Hypothyroidism? Diagnosis Unfortunately, you can’t diagnose yourself with a thyroid condition, be it hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism (that’s when you have an underfunctioning thyroid gland that is still producing sufficient thyroid hormones, but some of your blood test levels may be abnormal.) ( 7 ) This is important because many symptoms of hypothyroidism may be mild (like fatigue from sleep disturbances), be related to other health conditions, or simply signal regular signs of aging (memory decline, achy muscles). For example, weight gain doesn’t necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem, and achy muscles or joints may just be a sign that you’re getting older. The best way your doctor can determine if you have hypothyroidism is through a blood test.
An elevated thyroid stimulating hormone or low levels of thyroid hormones, including free T4, total T3, or free T3, may also signal hypothyroidism. ( 8 ) A physical exam or an imaging scan may also be used to diagnose this condition. “If someone becomes significantly hypothyroid, they may have a slow heart rate or swelling or pain in their joints, elevated cholesterol and muscle weakness,” warns Dodell. “Since screening for hypothyroidism is common these days and the majority of people will get checked if early signs develop, hopefully treatment is started prior to severe symptoms developing.”
Hypothyroidism Symptoms Resources We Love Favorite Organizations for Essential Hypothyroidism Symptom Info American Thyroid Association (ATA) Established in 1913, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) is one of the oldest-serving organizations dedicated to thyroid health and research. Such extensive expertise informs their page on hypothyroidism, which not only discusses short-term symptoms, but also what you can expect with this condition down the road. Also be sure to check out the ATA’s subpages on specific hypothyroid concerns, such as their Thyroid and Weight page, as weight changes are a key concern for people with this thyroid disease. Favorite Integrative Sources for Hypothyroidism American Thyroid Association Aside from their helpful overview pages on hypothyroid symptoms, the ATA has an extensive article about complementary and alternative medicine techniques for hypothyroidism. Here, read about the potential integrative treatment approaches for hypothyroidism, plus the ATA’s overall take on their safety. Consider taking a copy of this article with you to your next endocrinology appointment to see if your doctor thinks any of the discussed methods could help work with your existing treatment to make you feel better. Favorite Hypothyroidism Online Support Network Thyroid Nation Run by people with hypothyroidism like you, Thyroid Nation is more than simply a thyroid blog. Here, you’ll learn about thyroid disease management tips, but also connect with peers and comment on their stories. You even have an opportunity to share you own story on the Thyroid Thrivers page. Hypothyroidism can make you feel down, so it’s important to reach out and socialize — you certainly aren’t alone in your struggles, as the page’s “Thrivers” demonstrate. Favorite Sites for Hypothyroid Diet Advice Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals It’s often said that food is just as important as medicine, and this couldn’t be truer when you’re dealing with symptoms of hypothyroidism — including any extra weight you can’t seem to get rid of. Still, the internet can often cause more confusion when you’re trying to figure out what you can and can’t eat with hypothyroidism. We find the above article helpful in debunking some of the myths about diet and hypothyroidism, while also providing sound medical advice on what you should be eating. Endocrine Web For a less technical read, Endocrine Web offers a succinct overview on the right foods to eat with a thyroid condition. We find the advice about not falling for fad or elimination diets a big relief, as well as the rule of thumb to focus on eating more vegetables, and not avoiding them for fear of decreased thyroid function. Favorite Hypothyroid Symptom App BOOST Thyroid Unlike other smartphone apps that focus on your health more generally, BOOST Thyroid includes specific measurements related to your thyroid health. Not only can you include your T4 and T3 levels after your blood work, but this free app has you track your symptoms, lifestyle, and supplement intake. Such data can be significant when reading it against your lab work, so we suggest showing your doctor the app and your tracking information to see how your symptoms may correlate with your current treatment plan. Download it on Google Play or the App Store.
