Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Hypothyroidism refers to a condition wherein the thyroid gland suddenly loses the capacity to produce the necessary amount of thyroid hormones. When a person suffers from hypothyroidism, they also tend to suffer other health consequences including physical and mental problems. There are many causes of hypothyroidism but the most common would have to be iodine deficiency. In other cases, the cause of this condition may be problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or the thyroid gland itself. In some cases, thyroid treatments like radioactive iodine and surgery can also cause the problem. Some experts suggest that stress, deit, and inadequate rest and exercise also play a role. Hypothyroid symptoms can vary. During its initial stages, it’s hard to identify if a person is suffering from the condition or not.
People should be very aware of the symptoms in order for them to get immediate treatment. Because every case is unique, the symptoms can widely vary and some may not suffer from the same thing. With that said, the following sections provide some of the most common and important symptoms to take note of.
The Most Common Symptoms
Just like some of the most common ailments, hypothyroidism can cause a person to feel extremely weak and fatigued. However, it’s not just weakness and fatigue which can help determine if a person has hypothyroidism. Usually, it’s the combination of this with other symptoms. For instance, people with hypothyroidism will definitely have a hard time shedding off extra weight. In many cases as well, people with such also tend to gain weight suddenly or randomly. Other symptoms include:
- inability to tolerate cold temperatures
- being uncomfortable despite normal temperature
- feeling of coldness
- constipation
- joint pain
- depression
Unusual or Unexpected Hypothyroidism Symptoms
While hypothyroidism is mainly concerned with the thyroid gland, there are other manifestations of the condition which may strike people as surprising. For instance, hypothyroidism can also cause rough and pale looking skin, coarse and dry hair, muscle aches and cramps, hair loss, decreased libido, memory loss, irregular menstrual cycles as well as memory loss. The person may also experience thinning of the eyebrows. Because of unexpected weight gain, people can exhibit a puffier appearance, including abdominal swelling. The hands and feet are usually cold and the person may even suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or a number of other circulatory problems. Pregnant women are also prone to a deficient thyroid. Loss of interest in daily activities and the feeling of worthlessness can also signify a problem with the thyroid gland. Snoring, sleep apnea and difficulty in breathing can also be manifestations of an underactive thyroid.
Other Symptoms
There are also other symptoms that people should take note of if they want to determine hypothyroidism as soon as possible. Aside from the ones mentioned, a person with hypothyroidism can also experience shortness of breath, eye tics, vertigo and even ringing in the ears. The eyes may also turn out to be more sensitive to light. Frequent sinus or ear infections can also indicate that the person has hypothyroidism.
For people who are experiencing several of these symptoms all at the same time, it’s important to consult immediately with their respective doctors. The earlier the hypothyroid condition is diagnosed, the earlier it can be treated. People need not to fear being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It is usually a treatable condition. In fact, it’s much worse if the condition goes unnoticed or unaddressed. Depending on the person’s condition, treatment approaches can vary. Hypothyroidism has several stages and usually the kind of method or approach used depends on the severity of the condition.
