Underactive Thyroid Symptoms
A Quick Guide To Underactive Thyroid Symptoms
Of all of the symptoms experienced by sufferers of thyroid problems, underactive thyroid symptoms are the most prevalent. Hypothyroidism, the name given to the underactive thyroid condition, is the most common thyroid malady, closely followed by hyperthyroidism, the overactive thyroid condition. Although being the most common of the abnormalities, underactive thyroid symptoms are generally mild, though in rare instances these symptoms may be more severe.
The thyroid gland acts as a regulator or pacemaker for our body, producing hormones used down to the cellular level. Consequently, when there is an imbalance of these hormones, bad things can happen. These hormones are important in the creation of protein, affecting not only growth but normal operation of our body's organs.
The emergence of certain underactive thyroid symptoms is an indication that not enough of these hormones are being produced. When that situation arises, another organ, our pituitary gland, comes to the rescue, stimulating the thyroid gland to produce normal levels of the hormones. If the level of hormone production is still inadequate, the body will begin to experience certain symptoms. Even if the level of production
becomes normal we are not completely out of the woods. Stimulation by the pituitary gland is not a normal situation and the thyroid gland may develop problems because of this, in particular, swelling. The root problem, that of an underactive thyroid, has not really gone away.
An underactive thyroid condition is not always easy to detect, and is not often detected in its early stages. While the symptoms are generally well known, they are not unique to problems with the thyroid gland. and can be attributed to any number of other possible causes.
So, just what are the underactive thyroid symptoms we should be aware of or looking for? Symptoms commonly associated with an underactive thyroid include the following:
The skin, hair, and nails are very sensitive to how the thyroid gland is functioning. When an insufficient level of hormones is being produced, the skin can become dry and scaly, the hair can become brittle and break off, nails will grow unevenly, and in many cases hair loss will occur.
A reduction in hormone production leads to a slowing down of the body’s metabolic rate. When this happens an early symptom is weight gain. Food intake is no longer efficiently being converted to energy and, even if food intake is reduced, bodily weight may remain constant or continue to increase.
Problems with the bowels may emerge, particularly problems of constipation when an underactive thyroid is the cause. Women will quite often experience menstrual difficulties, more frequent and painful periods becoming common.
With a reduction in metabolism, bodily behavior is affected with certain functions “slowing down” in a sense. Bouts of depression can arise as can periods of fatigue, even exhaustion, as the food we eat is not being efficiently converted into the energy we need .
Symptoms may be evident in the thyroid gland itself,, with inflammation and swelling of the thyroid indicating something is amiss. A condition known as thyroiditis can occur. There are actually three types of thyroiditis, all of which feature inflammation and swelling, and for one type in particular, pain. While thyroiditis may itself be the focus of treatment, an underactive thyroid remains the underlying cause and must be treated as well.
Obviously when a number of underactive thyroid symptoms appear the thyroid gland becomes the logical candidate for treatment. In summary, although there are a variety of symptoms, those such as swelling, pain, and changes in mood or bodily function need to be attended to. It is very important to visit your physician when there is even a hint of thyroid problems as this organ plays such a vital role in our well being.