10 Signs of Hypothyroidism That You Should Be Worried Of

While an overactive thyroid gland is commonplace in India, an underactive thyroid gland doesn’t get much press because it is uncommon here. In fact, not only in India but in the world, hypothyroidism isn’t prevalent. But what is hypothyroidism to begin with?

As the name suggests, hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make and release sufficient hormones into your bloodstream. As a result of this, your metabolism slows down, your body weight goes up, and you feel tired all the time. Sounds like you? Read on.

Weight gain and fatigue aside, hypothyroidism doesn’t cause too many noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Over time, left untreated hypothyroidism can result in other health problems, such as high cholesterol and cardiac issues.

Blood tests are the way forward when it comes to diagnosing hypothyroidism. Once you and your doctor determine just how much thyroid hormone is right for you, treatment with thyroid hormone medicine is usually straightforward, safe, and effective. In general, however, hypothyroidism is very treatable. Most people can manage this condition using medication and regular follow-up visits with their endocrinologist.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder, also known as Hashimoto’s disorder. This means that your immune system sees your normal tissues as strange and begins to attack itself.

Sounds dystopian? Well, it’s true! Your immune system makes antibodies against the thyroid gland. Regular thyroid cells are overrun by white blood cells and scar tissue. Complete chaos reigns supreme in your thyroid function.

Yet another cause could be treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. That could be either radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. Hypothyroidism might also suddenly develop post-pregnancy.

You can get a condition called secondary hypothyroidism. In this situation, your pituitary gland doesn’t make enough thyroid-stimulating hormone. The pituitary gland no longer tells the thyroid gland to make enough thyroid hormones.

Newborns get tested for hypothyroidism. This condition is known as congenital hypothyroidism. It warrants treatment right away because it can impact an infant’s brain and nervous system.

Other causes of hypothyroidism are :-

• Particular medications, such as lithium, thalidomide and amiodarone.

• Conditions present at birth, like being born with no thyroid gland or a thyroid gland that doesn’t function properly.

• A distinct lack of iodine in your body.

• Pituitary gland disorders, including noncancerous tumours.

• Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland that can happen after a viral illness or surgery)

In general, there are four main types of hypothyroidism.

Primary hypothyroidism directly affects the thyroid, causing it to make low levels of thyroid hormones. In turn, your pituitary gland produces more thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s disease can cause this, or it can occur after thyroid gland surgery or radiation therapy. Primary hyperthyroidism is the most widely prevalent.

Secondary hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain. This rare type of hypothyroidism prevents the pituitary gland from sending TSH to the thyroid gland.

Tertiary hypothyroidism occurs when your hypothalamus (a structure in your brain that keeps your body in a stable state of homeostasis) does not make sufficient thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Because of this, your pituitary gland cannot produce enough TSH.

Subclinical hypothyroidism - also known as mild thyroid failure- occurs when you have slightly elevated TSH levels, but all other thyroid hormone levels are within normal. Subclinical hypothyroidism typically disappears on its own in about three months.

Fatigue

There’s normal tiredness, and then there’s weariness felt by people suffering from hypothyroidism. You can tell the former to get a good night’s sleep - to cure their tiredness.

That is not the case for someone suffering from thyroid illness. This presents quite the quandary for middle-aged women because they can’t differentiate between this fatigue and the fatigue that comes with menopause.

Having said that, if you are facing acute, never-ending exhaustion, it could be because of a thyroid condition. In fact, fatigue is one of the key signs that a patient is developing hypothyroidism.

Patients who have an underactive thyroid often complain of tiredness that persists even after they’ve slept. And that’s just the physical tiredness. Beyond that, many hypothyroid patients also report mental fatigue and forgetfulness.

Gaining Weight

Your thyroid impacts your weight because it dictates your metabolism. If your thyroid hormones fluctuate, your body’s metabolism won’t function properly, resulting in weight gain.

Usually, a patient’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) is one of the primary tools used to check for thyroid abnormalities. This test measures the amount of oxygen your body uses over a predetermined period to evaluate your metabolism.

A low BMR score in such situations would suggest hypothyroidism. Most people suffering from hypothyroidism will experience a little weight gain, which might not be noticeable.

Severe hypothyroidism, however, can result in considerably more apparent weight gain. An underactive thyroid results in a slower metabolism, with the body converting food to energy much more slowly.

Hence, hypothyroidism patients often pack on the pounds without altering their diet.

Slowed Heartbeat

The condition of your thyroid has a significant impact on your cardiac health. Hypothyroidism results in insufficient thyroid hormone, which brings down the heart rate. This goes beyond a slow heartbeat.

Inadequate thyroid hormones can render your arteries less elastic, which makes blood circulation a chore and results in high blood pressure. Hypothyroidism can result in both hypotension and hypertension.

As a result of the low heart rate and low cardiac output linked to hypothyroidism, hypotension is more typical and common than hypertension. In hypothyroidism, low levels of thyroid hormones result in a slower metabolism and heart function, resulting in a slow heartbeat.

This impacts the heart's electrical condition and boosts parasympathetic nervous system activity. Treatment of this with thyroid hormone replacement typically resolves this issue. A litany of health issues can cause a slow heartbeat. Hypothyroidism is just one of the ways that this can happen..

Experiencing Extreme Cold

Circulation and body pressure are quite closely related. Poor circulation could make you feel colder than other people in the same room. This is a classic case of hypothyroidism, which makes you consistently cold and want to reach out for a sweater or a blanket despite other people in the room not being affected.

In fact, one of the many functions of the thyroid gland is to regulate internal body temperature. When thyroid dysfunction causes irregularities in the production of thyroid hormones, a patient's sense of temperature can be altered.

Lower levels of thyroid hormones can result in an unusual perception of cold. This sensation can happen irrespective of the ambient temperature. Cold sensitivity is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.

Low thyroid hormone levels slow metabolism, reducing the body's ability to regulate temperature. For those of you who feel cold, especially in warmer environments, a visit to the doctor is long overdue.

Dry Coarse Skin and Hair

Changes to the skin and hair are prevalent symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. This happens because skin cells, like most other cells, are regulated by thyroid hormones. In patients that have hypothyroidism, this usually manifests as dry skin.

Most people with an underactive thyroid also have dry skin. Thyroid hormones also impact the rate of skin cell turnover or the time it takes for the skin to regenerate.

Patients with hypothyroidism mostly notice that changes in hair are commonly reported in patients battling thyroid issues. Thyroid hormones play a role in new hair growth - with low levels of thyroid hormones, the body’s development of new hair gets impaired.

We lose hair every day (usually up to around 100 strands), even under regular circumstances. The impaired hair growth linked to hypothyroidism can result in the thinning or loss of hair. Well, if you grow hair, you will lose it, so some typical hair loss shouldn’t really bother you.

Constipation

Constipation issues are one of the most frequently reported signs of hypothyroidism. If you see any recent changes in your digestive patterns - a thyroid condition may be to blame.

Patients with hypothyroidism complain about stomach and digestive issues together with other symptoms. With too little thyroid hormone, patients with an underactive thyroid are at a risk of an overgrowth or imbalance of the bacteria in the digestive system.

This can result in a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), which is common in most hypothyroidism patients. SIBO can result in symptoms like a lost appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and bloating.

When it comes to hypothyroidism, constipation is quite common as low thyroid hormone levels slow down metabolism, including digestive processes. This can result in infrequent, difficult or painful bowel movements. If constipation happens despite dietary changes or other treatments, it could be linked to hypothyroidism.

Irregular Periods or Heavy Periods

If you notice that your period is becoming more irregular, painful or heavy than usual, or if you are exhibiting more intense PMS symptoms. Hypothyroidism symptoms in women also include fertility issues, menstrual changes, and issues with pregnancy, including anaemia.

An underactive thyroid can cause skipped periods (amenorrhea) as well because of hormonal imbalances that impact the reproductive system.

Low thyroid hormone levels can interfere with reproductive hormones, resulting in changes in menstrual cycle length, frequency, or flow. Some women might experience more frequent periods, while others might experience heavier bleeding or even skipped periods.

In certain cases, hypothyroidism can also result in periods becoming less frequent or lighter. The hormonal imbalance as a result of low thyroid levels can impact ovulation and overall fertility. Left untreated, this can result in long-term reproductive health issues, like issues with conceiving.

Depression

Depression is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. While medication can boost these levels and alleviate your symptoms, doctors sometimes overlook the possibility that someone who is depressed might also have low thyroid levels.

What happens is that with hypothyroidism, you experience fatigue, sluggishness and issues with concentration. You might sleep a little too much as well. All of that might contribute towards you feeling depressed.

Low thyroid hormone levels can impact brain chemistry and mood regulation. People having hypothyroidism struggle with feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a general lack of motivation.

This fatigue can worsen depressive symptoms. Changes in sleeping patterns and physical health could also contribute to a feeling of emotional distress. Treating hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement can often boost mood and energy levels.

Soreness or Muscle Weakness

Muscular disease or myopathy can occur if you have an underactive thyroid. This condition, called hypothyroid myopathy, can cause weakness throughout the body, most notably in the muscles of the thighs or shoulders.

Hypothyroidism has been known to cause muscle weakness. One instance is Hoffman’s syndrome, which occurs when a person develops muscle hypertrophy (enlarged muscles). This can lead to significant muscle stiffness, weakness, and pain.

Hoffman’s syndrome can impact various body parts, including the legs, arms and sometimes the facial muscles.

Another complication of hypothyroidism is rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle breaks down rapidly. This happens because of a combination of hypothyroid and strenuous workouts.

It could also happen when people ingest a statin - a cholesterol-lowering medication. The exact cause of hypothyroidism-induced myopathy isn’t known. However, according to experts, thyroxine (T4) deficiency because of hypothyroidism can lead to muscle injury and impaired muscle function.

Puffy Face (Cushing's Syndrome)

Underactivity of the thyroid gland results in an inadequate production of thyroid hormones and a slowing of vital body functions. Facial expressions become dull, the voice gets hoarse, speech becomes slow, eyelids droop, and the eyes and face become puffy.

In people with hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This chemical directly impacts various bodily organs and processes, including the skin.

There are thyroid hormone receptors present in the epidermis and dermis (the top two layers of skin) as well as in the hair. Hypothyroidism can cause an excess deposit of sugar molecules, known as glycosaminoglycans, to collect in the skin.

These compounds, which also include hyaluronic acid, attract water. Over time, too much fluid can accumulate, resulting in swelling and puffiness. Low thyroid hormone levels cause fluid retention, which causes swelling, especially around the eyes and cheeks.

In conclusion, hypothyroidism is a common but often overlooked condition that can greatly impact your health and quality of life. The symptoms that it exhibits, like fatigue, depression, weight gain and irregular periods, can easily be mistaken for some other fairly common health issues, making early diagnosis crucial.

With proper medical treatment, usually in the form of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, most people having hypothyroidism can lead healthy, active lives. If you experience any signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, do consult a doctor for evaluation as well as personalised care.

What are the common symptoms of hypothyroidism?

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, depression, and irregular periods.

Can I get hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

People having an underactive thyroid, especially primary hypothyroidism, are at an increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and postpartum haemorrhage. However, medication can help you have a healthy pregnancy.

Is hypothyroidism genetic?

It can be. However, that is not always the case. Parents can pass hypothyroidism down to their biological children. In many cases, there are environmental factors like having thyroiditis, developing an iodine deficiency or taking certain medication.

How do I get treated for hypothyroidism?

The primary treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually with synthetic levothyroxine. This helps normalise thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.

Does hypothyroidism result in weight gain?

If not treated, hypothyroidism can result in weight gain. However, once you begin hormone replacement therapy, you tend to start losing weight. Having said that, do speak to your doctor regarding a nutrition and exercise plan that works for you.