Hypothyroidism - Symptoms
For hypothyroidism, what were the symptoms and signs you experienced?
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What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are often subtle. They are not specific (which means they can mimic the symptoms of many other conditions) and are often attributed to aging. Patients with mild hypothyroidism may have no signs or symptoms. The symptoms generally become more obvious as the condition worsens and the majority of these complaints are related to a metabolic slowing of the body. Common symptoms are listed below:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Modest weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Excessive sleepiness
- Dry, coarse hair
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Muscle
cramps
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Decreased concentration
- Vague aches and pains
- Swelling of the legs
As the disease becomes more severe, there may be puffiness around the eyes, a slowing of the heart rate, a drop in body temperature, and heart failure. In its most profound form, severe hypothyroidism may lead to a life-threatening coma (myxedema coma). In a severely hypothyroid individual, a myxedema coma tends to be triggered by severe illness, surgery, stress, or traumatic injury. This condition requires hospitalization and immediate treatment with thyroid hormones given by injection.
Properly diagnosed, hypothyroidism can be easily and completely treated with thyroid hormone replacement. On the other hand, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), worsening heart failure, and an accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion
See what others are saying
I have experienced many symptoms for a number of years. In fact, I was treated for depression instead of hypothyroidism for several years. At times, I thought I was "losing my mind" it was so severe. My symptoms included: confusion, inability to think clearly, total lack of energy, exhaustion, loss of interest in "everything," aches and pains (mainly in my legs/ankles/feet), and gained 35 pounds despite a lack of appetite. This has been a long struggle for me with problems at home and work (to be expected when I cannot think clearly). However, things are improving now -- there is hope!
Hello all. I read up on this stuff all the time. I'm 32. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid at age 16! They put me on medications but insurance was not available for me. I quit taking the medications at 18. I was the person who was never tired not even at bedtime. Woke up just fine every morning. I could get everything done I needed in one day. I often cleaned my home top to bottom in one day. Man the energy I had. I was always hungry I ate insane amounts of food! Never gained or lost a pound. I got real sick during my pregnancy at age 24. I was a crazy person. Ran off, cried every time I saw my doctor. I was a mess. They tested me and there was not a lot they could do because I was a mess. And my levels were normal! But my neck was big! One night I started having crazy feelings. I could not get my heart to slow down. I was fainting. I went to the ER and my resting pulse was 120. I was having a storm. They tested my levels and did not find anything! I had an appointment the next day with an endocrinologist. They set me up with lab. I drank this liquid and went under a machine to get an accurate thyroid count. It was crazy! The doctor was astonished when the result came back that one of my levels was over 1000< he called it a thyroxin storm. He said it's deadly. Within that week I was having radioactive iodine to dissolve my glands. (My diagnosis was graves' disease) I left my family ten days. I came home and waited. Hey said they would not I've me my meds till I ran out of hormones in my body (crash). Took three months but it happened crazy! One day I woke up and could not get out of bed. My body was so tired. I barely could walk. I stumbled my speech and was exhausted. I went to doctor. Put me on oral steroids and high dose hormones in my case then lowered to level. Bad thing was my appetite was still the same. But my body was not! I have suffered all these years with hair loss, weight gain, mood swings, crazy bouts if sex drive issues, periods all over the board. I have the above and major leg cramps, body aches, ingrown hairs, facial hair, increased testosterone, feet swelling, feet sweating, tired spells, frequent yawning. And more. Not sure what was better hyper or hypo. the meds make a huge difference in how bad the symptoms are. These symptoms are always here. However tasking the pills just for a week change things some. I've been on medications for years occasionally I'm broke and skip a month and it shows to me and all around me. There is only way to lose weight with hypothyroid. My endocrinologist put me on a diet for hypoglycemic. 6 to 10 small meals or snacks all day. No pop or caffeine. Cut the salt. Salt free crackers with tuna. Exercise 30 minutes a day everyday (must sweat and increase heart rate) it works I lost 35lbs in 30 days! However with my condition I had no motivation and was tired it did not last long. I felt great and quit and now I'm up and extra 50 lbs. It's hard stay dedicated and have positive people around to help. No one around me understands or attempts to. Do not take anything with your medications. It jacks it all up! Set an alarm just for your medications. Make sure it's 45 to 1 hour before breakfast and coffee. The pill has to get in your system. Most all foods have iron and other things that will force some of your meds out. Coffee will make it go instant! Only water and that pill everything else after 1 hour. It's hard but a must. Your doctor could be over prescribing you if you are taking medications then drinking coffee or pop. Because your body is slowed down and needs the time to absorb it alone. Ok I'm done preaching. Just listen to the doctor.
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