Common signs of hypothyroidism

Common signs of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid controls the body's energy and is therefore a very important part of the endocrine system. The thyroid itself is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid produces and secretes hormones that control the way the body uses energy.

Thyroid problems affect the entire body. The most common symptom of hypothyroidism is fatigue and weakness. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to elevated cholesterol levels and increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Hypothyroidism is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because it can harm the baby.

Hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by iodine deficiency and can affect people of all ages. Adults and women over 60 are more susceptible to the disorder, as are people with a family history of the disease.

Hypothyroidism can be difficult to detect at first. The early stages of the disease are often asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms. Early signs include infertility, menstrual cycle problems, poor muscle tone, fatigue, hyperprolactinemia, cold intolerance, constipation, rapid thoughts, depression, muscle cramps, joint pain, thin fingernails, decreased sweating, dry, irritated skin, weight gain, weak pulse.

These symptoms are noticeable, but so minor that many people suffering from hypothyroidism don't even realize they have the disorder until it escalates into more serious stages. Symptoms of late hypothyroidism are much more severe, including goiter, slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice, dry, swollen skin, thinning outer third of the eyebrows, abnormal menstrual cycles, low basal body temperature, thyroid-related depression.

Uncommon symptoms may also include memory impairment, impaired cognitive function, slow heartbeat, slow reflexes, hair loss, anemia, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, acute psychosis, numbness and enlarged thumb.

Although hypothyroidism is dangerous, it can be relatively easy to treat. Doctors usually prescribe thyroid hormone pills to treat symptoms. Symptoms subside in just two weeks and may disappear completely in a few months. However, it is likely that patients suffering from hypothyroidism will need to take synthetic hormones for the rest of their lives.

Avoiding hypothyroidism is relatively easy for most people. Since iodine deficiency is the main cause of the disease, taking a daily iodine supplement significantly reduces the risk of hypothyroidism.

Inspired by Neville Street