Top 10 Sign & Symptoms of Thyroid

Posted by sfurtimann on August 26th, 2019

  Hypothyroidism: Significant Symptoms To Be Aware Of

On average, about 12% of people are affected by an abnormality in the thyroid function at some point in their lives. More commonly, women are prone to develop thyroid disorder than men. The other risk factor involves aging. When the level of this hormone is too low or too high, then it may lead to an array of health problems. An underactive thyroid is also known in the name of hypothyroid, is a condition where there is the decreased synthesis of thyroxine hormone by the thyroid gland. 

This can slow down the rate of metabolism in your body or reduces the growth and repair of many parts of your body. In this blog, we have shed major light on the symptoms of underactive thyroid disease.

What is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is the small butterfly-shaped gland present at the front side of your windpipe. It releases thyroid hormone called thyroxine that helps in overall energy, growth, and metabolism in your body. The small peanut-shaped gland called pituitary gland present in your brain is responsible for stimulating a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH) required for the release of thyroid hormone. 

When the level of TSH decreases, the thyroid gland is devoid of the signal to release its hormone, and hence there will be an insufficiency in the hormone level leading to hypothyroidism.

Common signs and symptoms

1. Feeling drained out

This is the most common symptom of hypothyroidism. As the level of thyroid hormone drops in your body, you may automatically feel tired because the hormone influences the energy balance in your body. You may also feel sleepy than usual.

 2.Weight gain

Sudden and unexpected increase in your body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) is also the other common symptom of this condition. This is because the basal metabolic rate decreases, and your body tends to store more calories. The productive burning of calories for growth and other activities decreases substantially. Therefore your body signals the muscles, liver, and fat tissues to accumulate calories in the form of fat from the diet you intake.

3.A decrease in body temperature

As there is a decrease in the burning of calories in your body, the amount of heat generated is reduced. Therefore a low level of thyroid hormone in your body makes you feel more sensitive to cold than others.

4. Muscle Pain and Weakness in joints

As the body’s metabolism shifts to catabolic mode, the body breaks down the muscle as a source of energy. The strength of muscle decreases leading to weakness of the muscle, causing pain in joints and muscles.

5. Loss of hair

The follicles present in your scalp are regulated by thyroxine. When the level of this hormone decreases, the hair follicles become more sensitive as compared to other cells in your body. This condition causes follicles to stop stimulating hair growth, thereby resulting in hair loss.

6. Drying and itching in skin

A low level of thyroid hormone has an impact on the normal cycle of skin renewal and cells turnover. Thus the outer layer of dead cells takes longer time to shed, leading to flaky and dry skin.

7.Depression

Research studies have shown that hypothyroidism can make you feel down and depressed for no reason. Some women may even experience anxiety.

8.Loss of memory and concentration

Difficulties in remembering and concentrating things is a normal thing which can happen to anyone, but if it is sudden and severe, then it could be a sign of hypothyroidism. Individuals may find difficulty in doing everyday math even. They are also reported to have a poor memory.

9.Constipation

Decreased level of thyroid hormone can disturb your normal bowel movements. As a result, your stool may become hard, and excretion becomes difficult.

10.Irregular periods

Thyroid hormone is majorly responsible for disturbing your normal menstrual cycle and ovulation process. It may directly affect the ovaries and uterus. It is better to consult our physician immediately as soon as you notice such symptoms.