Sluggish Thyroid Symptoms

Sluggish thyroid syndrome is a disorder in which the body to produce sufficient amount of thyroid hormone. Sluggish thyroid is also known as hypothyroidism and is one of the common hormonal disorder seen these days. Thyroid is a small gland, which produces hormones which are essential for speeding up the body metabolism and the absorption of calcium. In addition, the thyroid performs other important functions in the body like synthesis of digestive enzymes, maintaining body temperature, fat and protein synthesis, blood flow and the activity of sex hormones. Thus, thyroid plays an important role in the human body. When the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones, the sluggish thyroid symptoms are seen in the human body. Let us take a look at the sluggish thyroid symptoms. Read more on thyroid problems.

Symptoms of Sluggish Thyroid
The sluggish thyroid symptoms are many and resemble the condition of many other diseases. The symptoms of sluggish thyroid are seen according to the severity of the disorder. If the hypothyroidism is very mild, it is possible that there are no symptoms seen in the patient. One of the most common sluggish thyroid symptoms is lowering the metabolic rate. The sluggish thyroid symptoms are as follows:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight gain and difficulty in losing weight
• Hair loss
• Dry and coarse skin
• Abnormal menstrual cycles and PMS
• Memory loss or forgetfulness
• Constipation
• Irritability and depression
• Muscle aches and muscle cramps
• Mood swings
• Back problems
• Arthritis
• Lethargy
• Cold intolerance
• Slow bruises
• Skin problems
• Edema
• Heart palpitations
• Sleep disorders

These are the sluggish thyroid symptoms. All the symptoms are not seen at the same time. Many people experience a combination of sluggish thyroid symptoms. The sluggish thyroid symptoms change as the severity of the disease increases. Hypothyroidism can be severe enough to lower the heart rate and cause heart failure. Many patients suffering from severe hypothyroidism can suffer from life threatening coma. This condition is triggered by surgery, stress and illness. If any of these severe symptoms are seen, the patient must be shifted to the hospital immediately. Read more on signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid.

Testing for Sluggish Thyroid Symptoms
If you experience any of the above symptoms, you must immediately consult a doctor. There is a blood test which will help determine whether you are suffering from sluggish thyroid syndrome or not. Genetics play a vital role in any of the thyroid related disorders. Many a times, sluggish thyroid is said to be inherited. So, if you have a family history and you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you must immediately consult a doctor.

There are certain medical conditions, in which, the possibility of getting a sluggish thyroid increases. These conditions are autoimmune diseases, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Addison's disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, anorexia and turner syndrome. If you are suffering from any of these diseases, you are more likely to suffer from sluggish thyroid symptoms. Besides these, women and older people suffer a lot from sluggish thyroid.

Drinking lots of water, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking green tea and regularly exercising, are some good ways to reduce the further complications associated with sluggish thyroid symptoms. Lastly, remember that sluggish thyroid can be treated. This was all about the sluggish thyroid symptoms.