Signs that you have a Low Thyroid Level | Hypothyroidism - Signs & Symptoms | Thyroid disease | low thyroid signs and symptoms
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be either primary or secondary.
When the thyroid is unable to produce sufficient thyroxine despite the increased levels of TSH, it is known as primary hypothyroidism
When the thyroid is unable to produce sufficient thyroxine due to lack of stimulus in form of TSH, it is known as secondary hypothyroidism.
Here are 10 common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
1. Fatigue & Sleepiness:
This is the classic symptom of hypothyroidism.
People with low thyroid feel a distinct, lethargic tiredness or sluggishness, making you feel unnaturally sleepy, even though you have slept well the last night.
You might also note that your reflexes are delayed.
2. Gaining weight
Unexpected weight gain is another common symptom of hypothyroidism.
Lack of thyroid hormone slows down your metabolism, and your basal metabolic rate, decreases. Because of this you may gain weight.
3. Digestive changes:
Because your system has slowed down, apart from weight gain, you may also suffer from constipation, hardening of stools, bloating, poor appetite, and heartburn.
Since the food is not moving through your stomach as quickly, you may experience acid reflux.
4. Cold intolerance
in cases of hypothyroidism, your basal metabolic rate decreases, reducing the amount of heat you generate.
That’s why low levels of thyroid hormone cause you feel colder and more sensitive to cold than usual.
5. Muscles weakness and aches
Patients with hypothyroidism frequently report muscle pain and spasms.
Low thyroid hormone shifts the metabolism towards catabolism, so, the body breaks down own tissues like muscle for energy.
Because of this, muscle strength decreases, which leads to a feeling of weakness and pain.
6. Hair loss
Hypothyroidism makes your hair thin, dry, and brittle.
Hair loss can occur as a result of decreased thyroid hormone levels, which inhibit hair follicle regeneration. But, this typically improves when hypothyroidism is treated
7. Itchy & dry skin
Your skin may feel dry and coarse and it may flake upon scratching.
As hypothyroidism progresses, the skin may take on a yellowish tint due to an accumulation of carotene. Carotene is found in food and typically converted into vitamin A, but this conversion slows down as a result of hypothyroidism
8. Feeling down or depressed
Depression in hypothyroidism is more frequent compared to hyperthyroidism.
In one study, thyroid hormone replacement improved depression in patients with mild hypothyroidism, compared to a placebo.
9. Trouble concentrating or remembering
Many patients with hypothyroidism may find it difficult to remember things or to concentrate at work.
Difficulties in memory or concentration can happen to anyone, but if they are sudden or severe, they could be a signal of hypothyroidism.
10. Menstrual cycle changes
If you are female and hypothyroid, your menstrual periods will probably become much heavier and more frequent than usual.
Irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding, both are linked to hypothyroidism.
11. Voice changes
If your thyroid is enlarged, it may affect your vocal cords and cause your voice to sound hoarse or husky.
12. Fingernails
Your fingernails may become brittle and develop lines and grooves.
You may even find it difficult to apply nailpaint.
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