Hypothyroidism: The Signs and Symptoms to Be Aware of

Hypothyroidism: The Signs and Symptoms to Be Aware of

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive - producing fewer hormones than expected - and the symptoms of hypothyroidism are so wide-ranging that it can be difficult to distinguish between a thyroid condition and another condition.

In addition, many symptoms of this disorder do not appear until it is more developed. The longer hypothyroidism goes untreated, the more severe the signs and symptoms become.

The difference between a sign and a symptom is that a sign is something that can be seen externally, while a symptom is something that is felt. A sign can be seen by others, but a symptom can only be felt by the patient.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Ermüden
• Unerklärliche Gewichtszunahme
• Verstopfung
• Trockene Haut
• Heisere Stimme
• Zärtliche, schmerzende oder schwache Muskeln
• Verringerte Herzfrequenz
• Haarausfall oder Haarausfall
• Depression
• Beeinträchtigtes Gedächtnis
• Erhöhte Kälteempfindlichkeit
• Steife oder schmerzende Gelenke
• Geschwollenes Gesicht

Although any combination of these can be the result of hypothyroidism, it is important to get tested to determine exactly what is causing these symptoms. A more direct sign of hypothyroidism is a goiter, in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged due to swelling.

The worse the swelling gets, the more noticeable it will be when you look in the mirror. To find out whether you have a goiter or not, look in the mirror directly under your Adam's apple - that's where your thyroid is located. Smaller goiters may cause no symptoms, while larger goiters may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism may be different in men and women. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people with thyroid disease are women. Since these types of diseases are usually hereditary, it is possible that they are genetically predisposed and affect women more often than men.

However, the percentage of men who develop this disorder tend to develop more advanced complications - due to the fact that many ignore the initial symptoms.

A male-specific symptom is sexual dysfunction. In a study found in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 64.3 percent of men with hypothyroidism experienced delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and decreased libido.

Many of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in men and women - such as muscle pain and hair loss - are ignored by men because these symptoms often occur in men with normal activity and as they age.

In women, hypothyroidism can cause heavy or irregular periods. Because hypothyroidism produces low levels of hormones, periods may become excessively heavier and more painful than usual.

Women may also have a shorter time between periods. Due to the irregularity of menstruation, it can be difficult for many to get pregnant until the period is regulated. If they become pregnant, they have a higher risk of miscarriage in the early stages. In younger girls, sexual development may occur at an earlier age.

Keeping track of your symptoms and determining whether or not you are in the early stages of hypothyroidism is a daunting and difficult task, but not impossible. If you feel like you are suffering from a combination of these symptoms, a doctor may give you a physical exam and a blood test to determine whether or not you have thyroid disease.

There are many different treatments available and – as with many medical conditions – hypothyroidism is easier to treat if it is caught early. Do your body a favor and don't ignore any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it will thank you in the end.

Inspired by Claire Christina Rathausky