Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid Glands

Understanding the Symptoms of Underactive Thyroids

For much of our life, we take the thryoid gland completely for granted. Like most of the body’s processes, as long as everything does what it’s supposed to be doing, there’s really not much to worry about. The problem with a low thyroid function is it doesn’t happen all at once. The symptoms of underactive thyroid are insidious and subtle; many times the symptoms of hypothyroidism themselves aren’t recognized for years until the effects are impacting the activities of daily living.

Another problem with diagnosing a hypothyroid condition is the fact while any one of any age, including infants and children, can develop an underactive thyroid, women over the age of 50 are most likely to have at least a mild form of it. It is estimated a whopping 50% of women in this age group have a low thyroid function. Many times the symptoms are blamed on other illnesses or conditions, such as menopause, rheumatoid arthritis or some other auto-immune disease.

Without the proper diagnosis, the symptoms of underactive thyroid will continue even with treatment of another condition. It is important that hypothyroidism is identified so the right treatment can be initiated and you can start to feel better. Some of the more common symptoms of an underactive thyroid glands are as follows:

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

fatigue
constipation
depression
hair loss
unexplained weight gain
pale, dry skin
intolerance to cold temperatures
hoarse voice
muscle aches, stiffness and tenderness
joint pain, swelling and stiffness
heavier than normal menstrual periods

Many of these symptoms can be masked by other health issues and are often missed by both doctors and patients in attempting to diagnose overall health. A simple blood test can provide the answer. The thyroid gland makes two hormones – T3 and T4 that help regulate the body’s metabolic processes. The pituitary gland makes a substance call thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH, which tells the thyroid when to make the hormones it is responsible for. A blood test will determine if the levels in your blood of any of these hormones is too low for the thyroid to work properly.

Symptoms of Underactive Thyroids Are Treatable

There is no cure for a low thyroid function, but there is treatment. Your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement therapy, in which you will have to take a daily medication for the rest of your life. Certain dietary changes can lower the need for this medication, but it’s likely you’ll still need it. It is difficult to regulate the hormone levels of the thyroid, at least in the beginning, and you will need regular blood testing to make sure the levels are appropriate. Your doctor will then need to test you at intervals to evaluate the thyroid function and make adjustments, if necessary.

Some people are devastated at the diagnosis of low thyroid function, but the truth is with the right diagnosis and treatment, most people improve significantly and have no problem living a full and active life. The key to living with the symptoms of underactive thyroid is to get it properly diagnosed in the first place so the right treatment can get you on the path of good health.