Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Caused by the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism is a medical condition that can affect both humans and animals. It can even affect infants, the condition of which is technically referred to as cretinism. It is important to know its symptoms because it can help determine the appropriate treatments necessary to alleviate the condition and state of patients. Furthermore, these signs can aid physicians arrive at a proper diagnosis of the disease. For a better understanding of this health problem, here is a closer look at the different symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Early Stage Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The early signs of hypothyroidism include goiter, depression and fatigue. Furthermore, patients suffering from this condition are expected to have muscle hypotonia, which is described as poor muscle tone. In addition, they can also experience joint pain, muscle cramps as well as enhanced sensitivity to cold. Their hair and fingernails will become brittle and thin. At some point, they can also suffer from constipation, decreased sweating and osteoporosis. Likewise, patients can experience low heart rate or bradycardia, water retention and weight gain. When left untreated and uncared for, these signs can lead to the late symptoms of the disease.

Late Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Patients with late symptoms of hypothyroidism usually experience low basal body temperature. In women, it can cause abnormal menstrual cycles. Another visible sign is the thinning of the eyebrows, specifically the outer third layer. The skin of patients can become puffy and dry, particularly on the face. The speech is affected as well, which commonly becomes deep, hoarse and slow.

Less Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Besides the usual signs, there are also less common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. These include hair loss, sluggish reflexes and impaired memory. In some cases, post-prandial or reactive hypoglycemia is possible. Aside from a slow heart rate, there is also a decreased contractility and a diminished cardiac output among patients. In addition to the face, the feet and the hands can also become puffy. Anosmia can also be experienced, which is marked by a decreased sense of smell as well as taste. Due to the impairment of the testicular testosterone synthesis, decreased libido is always a possibility. One of the rare hypothyroidism presentations is called myxedema madness, which is commonly known as acute psychosis. Sometimes, the ability of patients to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A is impaired, which is the reason behind the yellowing of the skin in some patients.

More Points on the Different Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Identifying the different symptoms of hypothyroidism is very important, which can actually help physicians improve the conditions of patients. This can actually lead to a proper diagnosis of the problem, which must then be followed by prescription and intake of the appropriate treatments. In addition to these numerous symptoms, other signs can also be experienced including elevated serum cholesterol, an increased need for sleep and a slow respiratory pattern. In male patients, another common sign of this medical problem is gynecomastia, which is marked by the unusual enlargement of the mammary glands.