Symptoms

Could You be Suffering from Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism can affect your physical body, your mood and even the way you think, look and sound. The thyroid controls every bodily function including your metabolism and its ability to use energy. Therefore, you can experience a wide range of symptoms if you are suffering from thyroid disease.

Thyroid hormones control the efficiency and speed at which your cells work. Of all your hormones, the thyroid is the most important! Without the crucial influence of thyroid hormones, proper maturation and function of the other hormone glands is not possible.¹

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of thyroid problems. Some of the symptoms and signs associated with hypothyroidism are:

Symptoms - Physical

Fatigue
Lethargy
Sleepiness
Cold Intolerance
Hoarse Throat
Dry Skin
Decreased Perspiration
Weight Gain
Decreased Appetite
Constipation
Menstrual Disturbances
Anthralgia (Joint pain)
Partesthesia (Tingling, pricking, or numbness in skin)
Hair Loss

Symptoms - Mental or Cognitive

Mental Impairment
Decreased Memory
Slow Movements
Slow Speech

Signs

Slow Movements
Slow Speech
Hoarseness
Bradycardia (Slow heart rate)
Dry Skin
Nonpitting Edema (Myxedema)
Hyporeflexia (Reduced functioning of reflexes)
Delayed Relaxation of Reflexets

Experiencing one or more of these signs and symptoms does not automatically mean you have thyroid disease. Some hypothyroidism sufferers experience only a few of these symptoms, while others may not experience any symptoms at all.

If you think you may have hypothyroidism or you have any questions about your symptoms, please seek the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor can prescribe the proper course of treatment after a thorough and complete examination.

While we make every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date and useful information, this website is not intended as a substitute for a clinical evaluation or the medical advice of a qualified doctor or healthcare professional.

Source:
¹ Starr, Dr. M. (2005). Hypothyroidism Type 2. Columbia, MO: Mark Starr Trust.
Braverman, L.E. & Utiger, R.D. (2005). The Thyroid, 9th Ed. Philadelphia, PA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.