Symptoms of Low Thyroid Levels

Thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland, situated just below the larynx (voice box) or 'Adams apple' and forms a significant part of the endocrine system. It consists of two lobes lying on either side of the trachea, joined together by thyroid tissue called 'isthmus'. The function of the thyroid gland is to convert the iodine from the food, into two main thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland, however, it is inactive and has to be converted to T3. These thyroid hormones are essential for regulation of body metabolism, temperature regulation, maintaining calcium balance and overall growth and development of the body. Thyroid gland is controlled by a pea-sized endocrine organ in the brain called the pituitary gland (master gland), which is itself regulated by the hypothalamus (part of the brain).

Thyroid levels

When the levels of T4 and T3 in the blood fall, the hypothalamus releases 'thyroid releasing hormone' (TRH) into the bloodstream. As the level of TRH in the blood increases, the pituitary gland gets the signal from the hypothalamus, and as a result releases 'thyroid stimulating hormone' (TSH). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release more hormone into the blood. However, if the thyroid hormone levels in the blood are high, the hypothalamus stops releasing TRH. The pituitary gland picks up the low TRH signal and stops releasing TSH, thereby regulating the level of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Thus, it's a link between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the thyroid gland; all working in coordination with one another.

According to most laboratories in the US, the normal level of TSH that should be present in the bloodstream ranges from 0.5-5.0 mIU/L. The thyroid levels can be determined by performing the 'T7' or 'FTI' blood test. For any reason, if the thyroid levels deflect from this range, then there is cause for concern. High thyroid levels in the bloodstream is a disorder termed as hyperthyroidism, whereas, low thyroid level is termed as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is more common as compared to hyperthyroidism.

Low Thyroid Level/ Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disorder caused due to formation of less thyroid hormone, in comparison to the normal body requirements. In such cases, the thyroid gland is called to be 'under active'. Inadequate thyroid hormones result in slowing down of the overall body metabolism. Thus, if you suffer from hypothyroidism, a blood test will reveal you are high on TSH levels. This is because when your thyroid hormone is not releasing thyroid hormone, the hypothalamus will signal the pituitary gland to release more TSH. Thus, the levels of TSH in the blood will be high.

Hypothyroidism affects both men and women, however, women are eight times more susceptible. People of all ages can be affected and over 5 million Americans have this disorder. Hypothyroid people are susceptible to heart disorders, cancers and infections. Severe hypothyroidism in adults is called 'Myxedema' and in children it is called 'Cretinism'.

Hashimoto's disease (inflammation of the thyroid gland) is one of the major reasons for low thyroid levels. This is an autoimmune disease wherein the body fails to recognize the thyroid gland as its own member and begins to attack it with antibodies, as if it is a foreign body. This not only damages the gland's 'hormone releasing capacity' but also destroys the gland. Iodine deficient diets, malfunctioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, infection of the thyroid gland, radiation treatments to treat hyperthyroidism and congenital defects are some other reasons responsible for low thyroid levels. Birth control pills are also harmful for the thyroid gland, as estrogen inhibits the gland's activity.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid:

'Silent disease' is another name given to hypothyroidism, because it reveals itself in a very gradual manner. Maximum number of people fail to recognize this disorder. They cannot be blamed for this, because low thyroid symptoms are very subtle and to make matters worse, are often similar to the ones of aging. The severity of the hormone deficiency determines the severity of the symptoms. Low thyroid levels affect different parts of the body in different ways. Since thyroid hormone is responsible for regulation of body metabolism, its deficiency results in slowing down of body's metabolic processes. Let's have a look at the symptoms.

• Skin: Low thyroid level results in reduction in amount of blood being circulated in the bloodstream. This results in low amounts of nutrients reaching the skin cells, thereby causing them to look malnourished and pale. Moreover, low thyroid levels reduce sweating rate and cause the skin to become dry, coarse and thick. Sometimes a yellowish hue to the skin is also observed. The heels also crack and sometimes even hurt. The nails become brittle, eyebrows fall off and hair loss occurs. Moreover, the basal body temperature also dips.
• Gastrointestinal System: The muscles used for digestion slow down, resulting into constipation. A person also experiences bloating. The person may gain significant amounts of weight and may not be able to shed it, with even a healthy diet and exercise routine.
• Cardiovascular System: The functions of the heart slow down. The person can get easily tired and breathless while exercising, etc. Increased heart rate and palpitations are common. Cholesterol levels in the blood are also seen to rise, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks. For hypertensive people, the severity of the symptoms may be far greater. The stimulation of red blood cells in the bone marrow becomes inadequate resulting into anemia.
• Muscular System: The person experiences extreme fatigue and tiredness. Inability to carry out the day's tasks energetically. An overall sense of weakness is developed. Even doing a small amount of work, causes one to feel exhausted very soon. The person feels like taking frequent naps. Moreover, they feel exhausted even after sleeping for long hours. Some people are also seen to experience muscle aches, muscle cramps and muscle stiffness in the mornings.
• Face: Puffiness of the face, especially the areas around the eyes. Pimples, blackheads and boils are also some low thyroid levels symptoms, that are seen to affect the face.
• Reproductive System: Symptoms of low thyroid levels in women are, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, which vary from no periods to heavy, frequent periods. Onset of early menopause is also seen in older women. In younger women, hypothyroidism makes it difficult to conceive, as the ovulation process itself is hampered. They also experience a lack of sex drive. Moreover, in case of pregnant women, the deficiency increases the risk of miscarriage during early stages of pregnancy.
• Respiratory System: Respiratory muscles become weak causing frequent breathlessness and fatigue. Frequent blockage of the air passages while sleeping hinders the person from having a good night sleep. Insomnia, hoarse voice are some other symptoms.
• Effects on Mental Health: A person suffering from hypothyroidism also faces various psychological problems. He or she finds it difficult to concentrate in studies or work, get irritated quickly, has mood swings, etc. One may also get depressed easily and may not be able to remember important details. These effects are seen due to the limited blood flow to the cerebrum.

A person with low thyroid levels may not experience all the above-mentioned symptoms. Simple and effective medical treatment is available for curing low thyroid levels. Hypothyroidism once diagnosed, is curable and most people begin to feel better in a week or two of treatment. The relieving part is that all the symptoms of this disorder disappear for good, within a few months of time, allowing the sufferers to resume their routine-active lives once again!