There are numerous signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Most are treatable with thyroid hormone replacement.
Weight Gain
Since the lack of thyroid hormones slows down metabolism, weight gain is inevitable in this type of condition. This causes the body to convert calories into fat which becomes stored in the organs and muscles. Most times, even the most health-conscious and active people have a hard time managing their weight when affected by Hypothyroidism. Lifestyle changes sometimes aren’t enough and consulting your physician might be what’s best.
Fatigue
This one is an obvious second once weight gain kicks in. People affected by Hypothyroidism usually feel drained even at the start of the day. The thyroid hormone is responsible for controlling energy balance which means the lack of such can cause imbalances in one’s energy levels. A good example of this are animals that go through hibernation. They experience low thyroid levels which is why they are capable of long periods of sleep in order to recover. Hypothyroidism can also cause mental fatigue which hampers the body’s ability to think straight.
Mental Fogginess
Since the feeling of fatigue can also happen mentally, this might explain why people affected by Hypothyroidism have problems concentrating or creating a trend of thought.
There aren’t many explanations yet when it comes to mental fogginess except for mental fatigue. However, a study conducted on individuals with Hypothyroidism showed that 22% had difficulties doing everyday math while 36% were thinking slower. 39% of them reported having poorer memory.
Chills
The thyroid hormone is also responsible for regulating body temperature. This is the reason why when metabolic rate is high, so is the body temperature as it burns the calories in the food you consume. The thyroid hormone is responsible for the body’s brown fat to regulate heat. In the case of Hypothyroidism, the body’s brown fat is prevented from functioning thus, causing the person to feel cold even in a warmer environment. About 40% of individuals with Hypothyroidism became more sensitive to colder environments.
Muscle and Joint Pain
Low levels of thyroid hormone mess up a person’s metabolism. Combined with the lack of activity caused by fatigue, the muscle tends to deteriorate causing weakness. The body experiences a huge drop in metabolic rate leading to Catabolism. This causes the breakdown of muscle tissue causing it to ache. Individuals with Hypothyroidism can also experience cramping at times. The intake of Thyroid hormones such as Levothyroxine is said to decrease muscle and joint pain as well as bring back its strength.
Balding or Hair Loss
One of the many functions of the Thyroid hormone is to regulate hair follicles. Its short lifespan and high turnover rate make them more sensitive to the effects of the lack of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism causes the hair follicles to stop regenerating but is treatable once the thyroid problem is addressed.
Dry skin
Both hair and skin contain the pigment called Melanin. Their similarities in components make them both susceptible to the effects of low thyroid hormone levels. The skin serves as the body’s vanguard from the external environment. This means that since the normal cycle for skin regeneration becomes slowed down, it will take longer for dead skin to be shed leaving the outer layer dry. 50% of people with Hypothyroidism have noticed dryness and itchiness in their skin.
Depression
There is no concrete study on low thyroid hormones causing depression however, it can be associated with other symptoms of Hypothyroidism such as weight gain and fatigue. There is also a connection between hypothyroidism and depression caused by a decrease in sex drive. Studies show that a majority of men and women suffering from Hypothyroidism are also suffering from anxiety and depression.
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