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Complete Symptoms of Hypothyroid

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid functioning) is a hormone imbalance in which the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient amount of thyroid hormone. It's one of the causes of heart palpitations. Find out a list of complete symptoms of hypothyroid in this article. For a complete list of causes of heart palpitations you can go to this article: Causes of Heart Palpitations Symptoms: Irregular, Racing, Pounding, Skipping Heart Beat

Complete symptoms of hypothyroid

The symptoms of low thyroid functioning vary widely for each individual patient depending on the severity of the thyroid hormone deficiency and the length of time the body has been deprived of the proper amount of hormone.

You may have one of these symptoms as your main complaint, while another will not have that problem at all and will be suffering from an entirely different symptom. Most people will have a combination of symptoms. Occasionally, some patients with hypothyroidism have no symptoms at all, or they are just so subtle that they go unnoticed. But in general, any problems you do have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.

The most common symptoms of low thyroid functioning are fatigue and intolerance to cold / increased sensitivity to cold. Following is a list of complete symptoms of hypothyroid:

  • Fatigue
  • Intolerance to cold
  • Thin, brittle fingernails and hair
  • Unexplained weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
  • Heavier than normal menstrual periods
  • Constipation
  • Pale dry skin
  • Mental instability or depression
  • Muscle weakness, cramps, aches, tenderness and stiffness
  • Poor memory
  • Lethargy and headaches
  • Deep slow speech
  • Loss of hair
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Coarse, dry hair
  • Swelling of the face and eyelids / puffy face
  • Excessive and painful menstrual flow
  • Nervousness and heart palpitations
  • Sluggishness
  • Hoarse voice or hoarseness
  • An elevated blood cholesterol level
  • Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles
  • Irritability
  • Decreased libido
  • Joint or muscle pain

At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms.

When hypothyroidism isn't treated, symptoms of low thyroid functioning can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow or you may feel depressed.

Complete symptoms of hyporthyroid, if left untreated:

  • Decreased taste and smell
  • Puffy face, hands, and feet
  • Slow speech
  • Thickening of the skin
  • Thinning of eyebrows

Since the main purpose of thyroid hormone is to "run the body's metabolism," it is understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated with a slow metabolism.

Complications of hypothyroidism

The most severe complication of hypothyroidism, known as myxedema coma, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Myxedema coma occurs when the body's level of thyroid hormones becomes extremely low. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, drowsiness, decreased breathing, below normal temperature, low blood sugar, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal. It may be triggered by infection, illness, sedatives, exposure to cold, or certain medications in people with long-term, untreated hypothyroidism.

Other complications of untreated hypothyroidism include goiter, heart problem, severe life-threatening depression, increased risk of infection, miscarriage and infertility.

Can low thyroid raise alt and alkaline phosphatase? In certain cases, hypothyroidism raised alt and alkaline phosphatase and other liver enzymes for unknown reason.

Risk factors of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs mainly in female over 50 years old although it can develop in anyone and the risk of developing hypothyroid increases with age. You also have an increased risk if you:

  • Have a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent, with an autoimmune disease
  • Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications
  • Received radiation to your neck or upper chest
  • Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)

When to seek medical advice

Consult with your physician if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other symptoms in the list of symptoms of hypothyroid above, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation and hoarseness. If you have already been diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism and continue to have any or all of the symptoms of low thyroid functioning, you need to discuss it with your physician.

There you have it, a list of complete symptoms of hypothyroid. In most cases, thyroid levels return to normal with proper treatment. And as always, avoid stress, rest, enjoy your life, eat a healthy diet, and do all your disciplines with joy, every moment.

Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.