Signs and Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid

Underactive thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism. Of the several glands present in our body, thyroid is one of the most important gland. The main functions of the thyroid gland are manufacture, release and storage of the two most essential hormones of our body. These hormones are: thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. These hormones control the normal functioning of each and every cell and tissues present in our body.

The main cause of underactive thyroid is low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Such a circumstance arises when there is less production of thyroid hormones. Usually, the problem lies with the thyroid gland itself. In some exceptional cases, it can happen due to some problem in the pituitary gland, which present in the brain and controls the functioning of thyroid gland. The most common symptoms of underactive thyroid are weakness, slowing down of heart beat, irregularity in menstrual cycle and so on. Detailed discussion of the signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid is given in the following sections.

Initial Signs and Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid
Stress and signs of aging are considered as the initial signs of underactive thyroid. It is often accompanied by tiredness or lack of energy, inability to tolerate cold, muscle and joint pain, lack of appetite, constipation. Women at their premenopausal stage may get heavy periods. Some people experience moderate increase in body weight. With the decrease in thyroid hormone in body, the skin and the hair tend to turn rough and dry. People often complain of weak memory and concentration problems. It also affects the mental state and may cause depression.

Initial Signs and Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid in Children
Underactive thyroid is quite commonly found in infants and growing children. For this reason, today, neonates are examined for underactive thyroid. This is because, if detected at the early stage, proper treatment can save the child from any abnormal growth. The initial signs of thyroid disorder in babies include frequent choking while feeding, throaty harshness, constipation, puffy face and excess of sleepiness. If not treated, these babies develop protruding abdomens, dryness of skin and hair and teething may also get delayed. In the later stage, children with underactive thyroid may show less growth of height and intelligence. In other words, it can affect the normal physical and mental development of the child.

Signs and Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid in an Advanced Stage
When an underactive thyroid is not treated on time, it can lead to a serious complication known as myxedema. This happens as the levels of thyroid hormones become extremely low. The signs and symptoms of this are: weakness, lack of sensation in arms and legs, puffiness of face, hair loss, sleepiness even during daytime and change of voice. There are certain signs and symptoms that are seen particularly in elderly people. These are loss of hearing ability, memory loss, depression and uneasiness. Effects of infections, injuries or some specific medications are so severe in some patients of myxedema that it can lead to coma. As a result, the body temperature decreases so much that it can be life-threatening.

When the signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid is observed in an individual, it is advisable to conduct a blood test for confirmation of the diagnosis. A daily dose of one tablet, containing thyroxine needs to be taken to keep the hormone levels normal. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the thyroid hormone may be passed on to the fetus by the mother. If the mother has hypothyroidism, it can affect the brain development of the baby. Therefore, women who have a medical history of thyroid problems in the family should undergo the test at the early stage of pregnancy. If underactive thyroid is found, then proper treatment will ensure healthy growth of the baby. The treatment of underactive thyroid continues through life.