Hypothyroidism symptoms: 12 signs to look out for

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in front of the neck. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism and energy use and affect almost all of the body’s organs.

In the early stages, a person may not notice any symptoms. However, without treatment, hypothyroidism can lead to severe complications, such as infertility and heart disease.

In this article, we describe 12 common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. We also discuss how common hypothyroidism is and when to see a doctor.

1. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Many people with the condition report feeling so exhausted that they are unable to go about their day as usual.

The fatigue occurs regardless of how much sleep a person gets or how many daytime naps they take. Treatment for hypothyroidism usually improves people’s energy levels and functioning.

2. Weight gain

Thyroid hormones help to regulate body weight, food intake, and the metabolism of fat and sugar. People with low levels of thyroid hormones can experience weight gain and an increase in body mass index (BMI).

Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.

3. Sore muscles and joints

Hypothyroidism can affect a person’s muscles and joints in numerous ways, causing:

• aches
• pains
• stiffness
• swelling of the joints
• tenderness
• weakness

Research also suggests a link between thyroid disorders and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition that causes painful swelling in the lining of the joints. Effective treatment for both conditions will help people manage their symptoms.

4. Mood and memory changes

It is common for individuals with untreated hypothyroidism to experience:

• anxiety
• apathy, or general lack of interest or feelings of indifference
• impaired memory function
• less attentiveness and concentration
• low moods
• slower thinking and speech

These symptoms can occur because the brain requires thyroid hormones to function correctly. Research shows that low levels of thyroid hormones can cause changes in brain structure and functioning.

These brain changes can reverse once a person begins treatment.

Hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, which can lead to a drop in core body temperature. As such, some people with low levels of thyroid hormones may feel cold all the time or have a low tolerance of the cold.

This feeling of coldness can persist, even when in a warm room or during the summer months. People with hypothyroidism often report having cold hands or feet, although they may feel that their whole body is cold.

These symptoms are not exclusive to hypothyroidism, however. Circulation problems or anemia can also cause people to feel chilly.

6. Constipation

Digestion is another body function that can slow down due to hypothyroidism.

Studies report that an underactive thyroid can cause problems with movement through the gut and the activity of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.

These digestive changes cause some people to experience constipation.

Doctors typically define constipation as having fewer than three bowel movements a week. A person may also have hard stools, difficulty passing stool, or a feeling of being unable to empty the rectum fully.

7. High cholesterol

Thyroid hormones play a vital role in removing excess cholesterol from the body via the liver. Low hormone levels mean that the liver struggles to carry out this function and blood cholesterol levels can increase.

Research suggests that up to 13 percent of individuals with high cholesterol also have an underactive thyroid. As a result, many experts recommend that doctors routinely test people with high cholesterol for hypothyroidism.

Treating the thyroid problem may help reduce cholesterol levels, even in those who do not take cholesterol-lowering drugs.

8. Slow heart rate

People with hypothyroidism may also have a slower heart rate, or bradycardia. Low thyroid levels can affect the heart in other ways too. These effects may include:

• changes in blood pressure
• variations in heart rhythm
• less elastic arteries

Bradycardia can cause weakness, dizziness, and breathing problems. Without treatment, this heart condition may result in serious complications, such as high or low blood pressure or heart failure.

9. Hair loss

Untreated hormone disorders, including thyroid problems, can contribute to hair loss. This is because thyroid hormones are essential for the growth and health of hair follicles. Hypothyroidism may cause hair loss from the:

• scalp
• eyebrows
• legs
• other body parts

People with thyroid problems are also more prone to developing alopecia, which is an autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out in patches.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, hypothyroidism affects around 4.6 percent of people aged 12 years or older in the U.S. However, most of these individuals experience only mild symptoms.

Hypothyroidism is more likely to occur in women and people over 60 years of age.

Other risk factors include:

• a personal or family history of thyroid problems
• previous thyroid surgery or radiation treatment to the neck or chest
• having been pregnant recently
• other health conditions, such as Turner syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, or certain autoimmune conditions

When to see a doctor

It is vital for people with unexplained fatigue or other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism to see a doctor. Without treatment, an underactive thyroid can lead to serious complications, such as infertility, obesity, and heart disease.

A doctor can carry out a simple blood test to check a person’s thyroid hormone levels. Treatment for hypothyroidism involves taking synthetic thyroid hormones. These medications are safe and effective once a person takes the right dose.

Summary

Hypothyroidism is a relatively common condition, affecting almost 5 people out of 100 in the U.S. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.

Because thyroid hormones are essential for the normal functioning of many different parts of the body, low levels can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• memory and mood changes
• muscle and joint pain.

It is vital that people with these symptoms or other symptoms of hypothyroidism see their doctor for evaluation and treatment. Doctors can prescribe hormone replacement pills to treat individuals with low levels of thyroid hormones effectively.

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