Thyroid health

Hypothyroid symptoms

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a sluggish thyroid. It can lead to a wide range of hypothyroidism symptoms:

• severe fatigue, loss of energy
• weight gain, difficulty losing weight
• depression and depressed mood
• joint and muscle pain, headaches
• dry skin, brittle nails
• brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
• irregular periods, PMS symptoms
• breast milk formation
• calcium metabolism difficulties
• difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature
• constipation
• sleeping more than average
• diminished sex drive
• puffiness in face and extremities
• hoarseness
• bruising/clotting problems
• elevated levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and heightened risk of heart disease
• allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
• persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts
• tingling sensation in wrists and hands that mimics carpal tunnel syndrome
• memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought
• slowness or slurring of speech

Subclinical hypothyroidism may present itself with mild versions of these hypothyroid symptoms, or often just fatigue or depression. Hypothyroidism often occurs along with insulin resistance, and these two conditions share some similar symptoms. Click here for more information about the signs and symptoms of insulin resistance.

In some cases, hypothyroidism can lead to a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid sufficient to become externally visible. The gland enlarges to try to compensate for its sluggish production. Goiters can also result from an overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism’s most common form, Graves’ disease, the gland enlarges in response to attacks by anti-thyroid antibodies, which stimulate overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid.

It’s important to note that without treatment or relief of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, the symptoms will generally worsen over time, eventually resulting in permanent damage. In the most extreme cases, such as Hashimoto’s disease, the body forms antibodies that fight its own thyroid gland cells, creating permanently low thyroid function.

If you suffer from several or more of the above symptoms and are worried that you could have a thyroid problem, your next best step would be to visit your healthcare provider, to discuss your options. You may find it useful to read our article on thyroid testing beforehand, to help you formulate good questions to ask your provider.

When we suspect thyroid dysfunction in our patients, our first recommendation is for a Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment blood panel. From that we gain accurate information on which to base additional recommendations. These may incorporate the best of conventional treatment options with a natural approach of endocrine support, nutritional supplements, and dietary changes. In subclinical patients, the latter can sometimes resolve the hormonal imbalance that clouds thyroid health. In patients with more advanced thyroid dysfunction, it will support other treatments recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

 

Original Publication Date: 01/23/2004
Last Modified: 02/16/2010
Principal Author: Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP