Thyroid Under Active
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid
Source: NHS
In this topic (6)
Many symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) arethe same asthose of other conditions, so it can easily be confused for something else.
Symptomsusually develop slowly and you may not realise you have a medical problem for several years.
Common symptoms include:
- tiredness
- being sensitive to cold
- weight gain
- Constipation
- depression
- slow movements and thoughts
- muscle aches and weakness
- muscle cramps
- dry and scaly skin
- brittle hair and nails
- loss of libido (sex drive)
- pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers ( carpal tunnel syndrome )
- irregular periods or heavy periods
Elderly people with an underactive thyroid may develop memory problems and depression. Children may experience slower growth and development. Teenagers may start puberty earlier than normal.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid.
If an underactive thyroid isn't treated
It's unlikely that you'd have many of the later symptoms of an underactive thyroid, because the condition is often identified before more serious symptoms appear.
Later symptoms of an underactive thyroidinclude:
- a low-pitched and hoarse voice
- a puffy-looking face
- thinned or partly missing eyebrows
- a slow heart rate
- hearing loss
- anaemia
Articles for Thyroid Under Active
Causes of underactive thyroid
Read about the causes of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), including the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and previous thyroid treatment.
Complications of underactive thyroid
Read about the complications of an untreated underactive thyroid, including heart problems, goitre and pregnancy-related complications.
Diagnosing underactive thyroid
Read about the importance of correctly diagnosing an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) using a specialised type of blood test called a thyroid function test.
Introduction
An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Symptoms of an underactive thyroid
Read more about the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), including tiredness, weight gain, depression and increased sensitivity to cold.
Treating underactive thyroid
Read about how an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is treated. The first line treatment is a daily hormone replacement tablet called levothyroxine.