Hypothyroidism Symptoms, Getting Some Answers To Your Questions

Hypothyroidism, It’s Symptoms and You

One day you’re active and fully of energy, and it seems like the next day you’re lethargic, constipated, gaining weight and cold all the time. Only when you think back about it, you’ve been feeling this way for a long time. Months. Possibly years. What’s going on and how can you fix it?

This is the really sneaky thing about hypothyroidism, or an under-active thyroid. The symptoms that occur are insidious, and they can take years to develop. It seems like one minute you’re fine, and the next you can barely get yourself out of bed. Even worse, many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can mimic those of other illnesses, diseases and conditions, which makes getting a definitive diagnosis particularly difficult.

Further complicating the situation is the fact hypothyroidism is most common in women over the age of fifty – most of whom are either experiencing menopause or approaching menopause. Unfair, isn’t it? It can really be difficult to figure out what the culprit is, but if you are exhibiting the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your health care provider and report the symptoms for a professional opinion.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue, no matter how much rest you receive
• Unexplained weight gain
• Sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Hair loss
• Brittle nails and hair
• Pale, dry skin
• Puffy face
• Constipation
• Depression
• Heavier than normal menstrual periods
• Muscle aches, pains and stiffness
• Joint swelling, pain and stiffness
• Hoarse voice
• Sensation of something stuck in your throat

Obviously, some of these symptoms do not fit in the “menopause” category, but some of them are very similar. The severity of the symptoms of hypothyroidism can also vary widely, depending on the level of the hormonal deficiency. Further obscuring the picture, sometimes the blood tests used to determine a low-functioning thyroid can be inaccurate.

How A Thyroid Works

The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones which significantly impact the body’s metabolism – T3 and T4. The thyroid actually has the only cells in the body which can combine iodine with the amino acid tyrosine in order to produce these hormones. T3 is considered the more biologically active of the two and the one responsible for the metabolism of the cells, and although the thyroid produces some T3, the majority of it is converted from T4 in other parts of the body.

The cycle goes like this: the hypothalamus produces a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). The job of this hormone is to tell the pituitary gland to release another hormone, known as the thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. This substance then triggers the thyroid to produce T3 and T4. It’s a complicated cycle, and any disruption at any point can lead to hypothyroidism.

Diagnosing A Low-Functioning Thyroid

Blood tests, then, measure the levels of TSH in the bloodstream. However, they aren’t always accurate. The levels can fluctuate for a number of reasons, so a diagnosis of hypothyroidism also depends on the symptoms. And if the symptoms are masked by another condition, such as menopause, and the blood tests inconclusive, you could be suffering from hypothyroidism and not even know it.

Unless you’ve had surgery to remove a thyroid, the only way to determine whether or not your thyroid is functioning as it should is with specialized blood tests for hormone levels combined with an evaluation of your symptoms. A detailed family history is also an important component to properly diagnose hypothyroidism.

It is very frustrating to know something is wrong but not being able to get an answer. The best course of action, in this case, is to become as educated as you can about what your symptoms may mean and the possible underlying causes. Keep a journal of your symptoms, and when you see your health care provider, present them with a list of the problems you’ve been experiencing. Finally, if you are a woman and suspect you may be going through menopause, ask your doctor to test you for that, as well. Remember, you are your own best health advocate.