Hypothyroidism Symptoms

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism also called as the underactive thyroid disease. It is a common disorder caused when an individual thyroid gland is unable to synthesize enough thyroid hormone. This hormone plays a vital role in controlling the growth, development, and metabolism of the human body.

Hypothyroidism is more common in today’s world and about 12-15% of people will experience abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland. Among which women are six times more likely to develop a Hypothyroidism than men.

Also Read:Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The symptoms vary, depending on the age of an individual and with the severity of the thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency.

Here are the common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

• Weakness.
• Puffy face.
• Feeling tired.
• Constipation.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Sensitivity to cold.
• Itchy and Dry Skin.
• Unexpected weight gain.
• Feeling Down or Depressed.
• Aches in Muscles and Joints.
• Feeling Down or Depressed.
• Thinning of hair or Hair Loss.
• Elevated blood cholesterol level.
• Heavy or Irregular Menstrual Periods.
• Trouble Concentrating or Remembering.
• Tenderness, stiffness or swelling in Muscles and Joints.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the age of an individual.

In infants the symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Poor muscle tone.
• Frequent choking.
• Excessive sleepiness.
• A large, protruding tongue.
• A puffy appearance to the face.
• In rare cases, it may cause Jaundice.

If it is left without being treated, it can lead to severe physical and intellectual disabilities.

In children and teens the symptoms include:

Both, children and teens have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience:

• Delayed puberty.
• Poor mental development.
• Poor growth, resulting in short stature.
• Delayed development of permanent teeth.

As mentioned earlier, the symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency.

When this disorder is left without being treated, then the symptoms can gradually become more severe, which may also lead to an enlarged thyroid gland, also called Goitre. In this extreme condition, the symptoms may be worse, causing serious effects including:

• Low Breathing rate.
• Low Blood Pressure.
• Low Body Temperature.
• Unresponsiveness and even coma or Fatal.

Also Refer: Symptoms of Thyroid

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about the Hypothyroidism, thyroid gland, thyroid diet, their causes along with their available treatments and their precautions.