Hypothyroidism Symptoms Checklist and Risk Factors
The symptoms of a hypothyroid can often mimic those of another condition, such as menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, it is often difficult to get a definitive diagnosis of hypothyroid disease which can delay the proper treatment. This hypothyroidism symptoms checklist will help you isolate the symptoms which may indicate a problem with an under active thyroid. But first, the following risk factors can also point you in the right direction:
a family history of thyroid disease
a history of miscarriage
pregnancy in the past nine months
a diagnosis of another autoimmune disease
part or all of the thyroid removed because of cancer, nodules or Grave’s disease
treatment with radioactive iodine due to Grave’s disease
treatment for hyperthyroidism
a diagnosis of goiter
if you are a woman over 50 years of age
If you have received treatment for an over active thyroid, at some point you may be facing the exact opposite problem. Pregnancy often puts a strain on the thyroid gland, making it difficult for it to keep up. However, women who suffer from hypothyroid symptoms during pregnancy usually recover a few weeks after the pregnancy is over. Women over 50 are dealing with a thyroid which may be declining in function – it is estimated that fully 50% of women over 50 exhibit symptoms of mild hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms Checklist for the Onset of Low Thyroid Function
The symptoms can be very subtle in the beginning and only become more noticeable as time passes. These are the symptoms of hypothyroidism signaling a decline in the thyroid function:
fatigue
hair loss
depression
brittle fingernails and hair
heavier than normal menstrual periods
muscle weakness
pain, stiffness or swelling of the joints
unexplained weight gain
muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
elevated blood cholesterol levels
a hoarse voice
puffy face
pale, dry skin
constipation
bloating
increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
sluggishness
Not all of these symptoms will present, and not all people will experience all of them. The symptoms of hypothyroidism as they appear on the hypothyroidism symptoms checklist are merely a guide to what you may be feeling. Many time, the symptoms are mistaken for other health issues, therefore, it is important for you to communicate your issues to your doctor so he can order the appropriate testing.
To identify hypothyroidism as the definitive diagnosis, your doctor will order a simple blood test. This test will measure the amounts of thyroid hormone in your blood to include the T3 and T4 hormones produced by the thyroid and the TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland. If the tests do show low levels, your doctor may prescribe a hormone replacement. Especially in the beginning, your blood levels will need to be checked on a regular basis to make sure you are getting the right does and to monitor how your body is reacting to the medication. This could take a few weeks to a few months.
Unfortunately, hypothyroidism is not a curable illness and you will have to stay on medication for the rest of your life. However, with treatment you can resume all your previous activities and lead a full and active life.
While hypothyroidism is a very common condition, especially in middle-aged women, it is often misdiagnosed and attributed to other conditions. A clear diagnosis leads to the proper treatment and better health. If you are experiencing a number of issues on the hypothyroidism symptoms checklist, you should contact your doctor and ask him about being tested for hypothyroidism.
