Hypothyroidism or low thyroid, is a condition due to insufficient thyroid hormone production of the thyroid gland, which affects 3% of the populace. Hypothyroidism can result from iodine insufficiency. These glands are found in front of the neck just below the vocal cords. Because thyroid hormones regulate many systems of the human body, the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency.
Face of an adult female exhibiting the symptoms of hypothyroidism
Thyroid hormone produces important hormones that help control metabolism and energy used by the body. This energy is used to move the entire system of the body such as the digestive process, the work of the body, the brain’s thinking process, and others. At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism. But as yourmetabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms
When body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, metabolism slows down and the work of various body systems, including the brain is disturbed. Unfortunately, thesymptoms of hypothyroidism is often unconscious. As a result, for example is it can cause mental retardation.
Recognize early symptoms of hypothyroidism
- Poor muscle tone (muscle hypotonia)
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Depression
- Muscle cramps and joint pain
- Goiter
- Thin, brittle fingernails
- Coarse hair
- Paleness
- Decreased sweating
- Dry, itchy skin
- Weight gain and water retention
- Bradycardia (low heart rate – fewer than sixty beats per minute)
Recognize late symptoms of hypothyroidism (more severe thyroid hormone deficiency):
- Slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice; also deepening of the voice
- Dry puffy skin, especially on the face
- Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe)
- Abnormal menstrual cycles
- Low basal body temperature
You don’t have to encounter every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. In fact, a person may have mild hypothyroidism but have absolutely none of the signs and symptoms at all! Every patient’s experience with the disorder is different. While you may notice that your skin and hair have become dry and rough, another patient may be plagued more by fatigue and depression.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren’t always noticeable, but it’s important that you understand what to look out for. Recognizing hypothyroidism early on will allow you to manage the disorder and prevent it from interfering with your life. The only way to know for sure whether you have hypothyroidism is to have your doctor perform a blood test.
Your doctor will review this and provide you with a comprehensive physical examination and medical history to determine whether you have evidence of an underfunctioning thyroid. If this is true, the good news is this condition is easily treated!
