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Underactive Thyroid Symptoms

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Most of us have heard someone say they have an underactive thyroid and that maybe they suffer from some underactive thyroid symptoms. Most peoples first thought is that it has something to do with their ability to lose weight, but it’s important to start thinking much beyond that.

There is a major problem in chalking up an underactive thyroid as being “nothing important.” The fact is, underactive thyroid symptoms can be not only annoying, but also quite serious if not addressed with the right hypothyroidism treatment protocol.

Unfortunately, many people who have had a thyroid test assume that if it came back “normal” then their thyroid is in good shape.  This isn’t necessarily true. In fact many of the thyroid hormone tests are inaccurate, leading people to believe their thyroid is fine, when in reality they are suffering from underactive thyroid symptoms without even knowing it.

Your underactive thyroid symptoms are a result of hypothyroidism which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones or when those hormones are not being properly delivered to your cells. In any event, all thyroid symptoms should be taken seriously because hypothyroidism is a serious condition that can greatly impact your quality and length of life.

Another word for underactive thyroid symptoms is “hypothyroidism.” What this means is that the thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones.

General Underactive Thyroid Symptoms

underactive thyroid symptoms

  • Chronic Constipation
  • Depression
  • Dry Hair
  • Dry Skin
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling sluggish
  • Feeling too cold
  • Inability to lose weight
  • Sleeping too much
  • Slow movements
  • Sore muscles
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • General weakness
  • A change in facial expression
  • Slow heart beat

Most underactive thyroid symptoms usually develop slowly over time.  At first, the symptoms will be quite mild and most people don’t even pay attention.  However, eventually hypothyroidism begins to have a far greater effect on your cells as it disrupts your liver, brain, and your entire hormonal system.

While oftentimes you may experience just one of these symptoms, it is not unusual to find that you are suffering from several underactive thyroid symptoms at the same time without ever correlating them to the one cause.

This is especially the case when a thyroid problem is manifesting in a specific body system. In that instance, one may experience a myriad of symptoms all related to the same body system. Below I’ve covered some commonly affected systems.

Reproductive System

In women, oftentimes the most affected is the reproductive system.  In fact, women often first develop or first discover they have a problem with their thyroid after pregnancy. This is because of the large fluctuations in your hormones which can intensify and perpetuate many of the thyroid symptoms in women.

For women, this is largely a problem with over-producing of estrogen or under-producing progesterone. Progesterone is a very protective hormone for both mother and baby which also serves to help regulate the thyroid gland. Estrogen on the other hand suppresses the thyroid gland.

Underactive Thyroid Symptoms Connected to the Reproductive System

  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual cycle
  • Excessive clotting
  • Fibroids
  • Fibrocystic breasts (lumpy breast syndrome)
  • Breast milk when not lactating or pregnant
  • Low or no sex drive
  • History of miscarriage

Oftentimes women experience food cravings at different times of their cycle when their hormones are fluctuating. We oftentimes view this as a negative habit; however, this is your body innately trying to tell you what it needs. Oftentimes by following a good hypothyroidism diet to help keep your hormones in balance you can avoid many of the negative effects of these hormone fluctuations.

Cardiac and Circulatory System

Underactive thyroid symptoms can be similar to those of an adrenaline shot or too much epinephrine. Rapid heartbeat, increase pulse rate and heart palpitations can be mistaken for a heart condition when in reality it is a thyroid problem that you are dealing with.

Underactive Thyroid Symptoms Connected to Heart Disease

underactive thyroid symptoms

  • Shortness of breath
  • Abnormal cardiac function
  • Angina
  • Congestive heart failure (very rare)
  • Decreased cardiac function
  • Diastolic hypertension – (high blood pressure)
  • Edema or swelling
  • Inability to tolerate exercise
  • Increased LDL or bad cholesterol
  • Slow heart rate – 10 to 12 beats slower than normal
  • Worsening of an already diagnosed “heart failure.”
  • Hardening of the arteries
  • Heart attacks in older patients

Digestive System

Poor digestion depletes the body’s nutrients and therefore can actually promote and perpetuate thyroid problems.  Most physicians agree that many disorders of the body seem to start in the intestine. One such example of hypothyroidism’s impact on your digestive system is it’s important role in the manufacturing of many digestive enzymes required to properly digest your food.

Underactive Thyroid Symptoms Connected to Digestive Dysfunction

  • Bad breath
  • Belching
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty in passing bowel movements
  • Digestion difficulties after eating greasy foods or foods high in fat
  • Metallic taste in mouth
  • Nausea, vomiting, or heart burn that gets temporary relief when treated with OTC meds.

Remember that some of you have suffered from these underactive thyroid symptoms for so many years that you have come to believe the way you feel is normal.

It is not!

Many of the underactive thyroid symptoms such as fatigue and exhaustion are a result of your body’s inability to deliver key thyroid hormones to your cells.

Nervous System

The nervous system is a double edged sword when it comes to your thyroid function.  On the one hand, long-term chronic stress can bring on underactive thyroid symptoms, and in turn an underactive thyroid can cause the body to experience high levels of stress. Both promote each other.

Also, when it comes to the body’s nervous system, you can be suffering from these symptoms for years, and never realize the problem are really underactive thyroid symptoms.

Underactive Thyroid Symptoms Connected to the Nervous System

  • Reduced sensation
  • Peripheral nerve damage
  • Memory loss
  • Lack of coordination
  • Hearing loss
  • Dementia

Obviously the underactive thyroid symptoms connected to the nervous system can be very serious.  As is often the case, many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions and a misdiagnosis can result.

These severe symptoms are usually found in cases of hypothyroidism that have gone untreated for many years.

Remember that once your underactive thyroid symptoms are recognized for what they really are, and you begin taking the necessary steps to turn it around, you will begin feeling better than you have for a long time. In many cases people begin to feel like a different person once they have been made aware that their symptoms are actually a result of their thyroid, many of which have endured years of suffering.

Thyroid Symptoms in Women

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The thyroid gland plays a very important role in your ability to metabolize food, store energy, manage weight and control body heat. Believe it or not, it’s also a key factor in your ability to think, sleep, talk and be healthy. When your thyroid is out of balance, it won’t be long before you’ll be experiencing one or more of the many thyroid symptoms in women.

If you have a low thyroid function, which means your thyroid is producing fewer hormones than your body needs, your body systems will not operate at their optimum level. This condition is called hypothyroidism.

Although thyroid problems do affect all of the body’s systems, there is a tendency for thyroid symptoms in women to be especially influenced by the sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone.  In fact, many of the signs and symptoms of menopause are actually a clear indication that you are suffering from hypothyroidism and could greatly benefit from a good hypothyroidism treatment.

Let’s take a look at some of the thyroid symptoms that are connected with the sex hormones.

Thyroid Symptoms in Women Associated with Sex Hormone Imbalances

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Heavy, long or frequent menstrual periods
  • Excessive clotting
  • Fibroids
  • Fibrocystic breasts (also called lumpy or bumpy breasts)
  • A history of miscarriage
  • Severe menstrual cramps
  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Diminished sex drive
  • Breast milk formation when not lactating or pregnant

Although the list of thyroid symptoms in women related to your sex hormones are vast, they are by no means the only clue that you might be suffering from a thyroid disorder.  In fact some of the body systems that can be impaired by a thyroid disorder are quite serious and need to be addressed.

Heart Problems Related to Thyroid Symptoms in Women

Older women are especially susceptible to heart and cardiac conditions brought on by hypothyroidism. Some studies have indicated that women with hypothyroidism are inclined to have blockages in the aorta and heart disease which can lead to a heart attack.

Some indications of heart problems that manifest as thyroid symptoms in women:

  • Hardening of the arteries
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol levels that don’t drop after treatment
  • Inability to lose weight
  • Prolapsed mitral valve

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often really one of the many thyroid symptoms in women.

In recent years the medical community is beginning to perceive a link between hypothyroidism and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).  The pain associated with CTS is usually accompanied by numbness in the wrist, or forearm and sometimes the fingers as well. The problem is the result of membranes that swell, causing a compression of a nerve in the forearm and wrist. Studies indicate the condition is much more common in those who have hypothyroidism.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and the connection to thyroid disorders.

The pain from fibromyalgia is quite severe and affects the muscles, tendons and ligaments.  There has been much confusion over the diagnosis of fibromyalgia until lately when studies are beginning to indicate that the pain of fibromyalgia and the exhaustion of chronic fatigue syndrome may be due to thyroid problems.  Both of these disorders, while occurring in both men and women, have a tendency to be more prevalent in women. Recent theories suggest the disorders are really thyroid symptoms in women.

Difficulty losing weight is one of the most common of thyroid symptoms in women.

One of the most noticeable and frustrating symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain, and/or the inability to lose extra weight no matter how much or little one eats.  Remember that in many cases a sluggish thyroid is the reason. If you are in overall good health, but can’t shed even a few pounds no matter how hard you try, your weight problem is very likely related to the thyroid symptoms in women. Bear in mind that there is a number of women who have no weight problems even though they are suffering from hypothyroidism.

Digestive disorders that are related to hypothyroidism.

The digestive system is responsible for taking the food you eat, turning it into fuel and energy, and then passing any waste through your body.  Any of the following symptoms of the digestive tract could be an indication that you are suffering from thyroid symptoms in women.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Food allergies
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • A swollen tongue or ridges on the tongue
  • A dry mouth
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome also known as IBS
  • Distention of your abdomen
  • Excessive Gas
  • Bad breath
  • Diabetes
  • Liver or gallbladder problems
  • Cravings for salt
  • Cravings for sweets
  • Hypoglycemia

If you find that you have been bothered by one or more of these symptoms it may in fact mean that you are actually experiencing thyroid symptoms in women. And a hypothyroidism diet can really help with many of the symptoms.

Women are especially prone to hypothyroidism symptoms that affect the hair, skin and nails. 

Symptoms affecting the hair, skin and nails range from mild to serious and are often attributed to other conditions. However, if you find yourself dealing with any of the symptoms listed below consider that they may really be thyroid related.

  • Puffiness or swelling of eyes, or face
  • Swelling of hands feet, and/or ankles
  • Loss of Hair
  • Hair that is brittle
  • Eyelashes thinning out
  • Loss of eyebrow hair
  • Nails that are flakey, brittle or peeling
  • Course Skin that is dry and flakey
  • A yellow or pale skin pigment
  • Dark circles beneath your eyes
  • Orange colored calluses on the feet, ankles or hands
  • Acne
  • Skin Rash
  • Unusual skin conditions
  • A tendency to bruise easily

While we’ve covered a variety of thyroid symptoms in women, these are by no means the complete list.  Take from this information the fact that the thyroid gland is responsible for the workings of many different body systems, so it has a wide range of effects on the body. If you recognize any of these thyroid disease symptoms in yourself, take heed that you might be suffering from a thyroid disorder.

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

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If your thyroid gland stops making enough thyroid hormone, or if it begins to make too much, chances are fairly certain that you will eventually develop symptoms of thyroid problems.

Unfortunately, in its very early stages, hypothyroidism is usually without noticeable symptoms. Occasionally, a patient may have very mild symptoms such as a feeling of general tiredness or just a lack of energy. These are often wrongfully attributed to other conditions. However, as the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels increase so do the symptoms of thyroid problems.

Because the disorder can progress to some serious and even life threatening conditions, it’s important that you have a good idea of what to look for when dealing with symptoms of thyroid problems.

There are several factors that can contribute to hypothyroidism. Some of these factors include estrogen dominance and liver dysfunction; however, it can just as easily be caused by increased stress.

Unfortunately, diagnosing hypothyroidism is not necessarily simple because not all tests for the disorder are accurate. In fact, many people are prone to receive a false negative result, when they would actually benefit greatly from the right hypothyroidism treatment. Because testing is not always reliable, it’s best to be personally aware of and take notice of any symptoms of thyroid problems to determine if you need further evaluation.

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems and Your Weight

symptoms of thyroid problemsWhen we hear the word hypothyroidism, we usually associate it with the body’s rate of metabolism.  Most people assume that if they aren’t having a problem with weight loss or weight gain, then their thyroid gland is working properly.  But, weight loss or gain, while certainly a factor in dealing with the thyroid gland, is just one of dozens of symptoms of thyroid problems.

These can range from problems with the digestive system to the autoimmune system, and even the body’s heart and circulatory system. Let’s take a look at these crucial body systems to see the effects of hypothyroidism and what it can lead to if it goes untreated.

Hypothyroid Symptoms of the Digestive System

Digestive problems are so common that most people just assume they are going to have to deal with them at one time or another during their life.  While many of these symptoms can easily go unnoticed, or be attributed to another condition, many digestive disorders are really just symptoms of thyroid problems.

Keep in mind how important the digestive system is when it comes to turning the foods we consume into energy.  Without a healthy digestive system, we run the risk of not only doing damage to our body, but also we leave ourselves open developing deficiencies that further damage your thyroid and cause even more symptoms.

That’s why it’s so important to be aware of any problems we experience and determine if they are really symptoms of thyroid problems.

You will notice from this list of symptoms that the problems can be found all along the digestive track from the mouth and tongue, all the way through the body and bowels.

Watch for these symptoms of thyroid problems:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Food allergies
  • Food sensitivities
  • Swollen tongue
  • Ridges on the tongue
  • Dry mouth
  • Cravings for salt
  • Cravings for sweets
  • Bad breath
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Excessive gas
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Liver and or gallbladder problems
  • Diabetes

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems Associated with Your Immune system

The immune system is the body’s best defense against disease and infection. Once the immune system is compromised by ongoing symptoms of thyroid problems, the body is open to any number of immune system diseases.

Keep in mind that the immune system is basically the army inside of our bodies that is well organized and trained to find and destroy any invaders.  It is especially crucial that the immune system be in good working condition in order for it to determine the difference between cells that are invading the body with an illness and the body’s own natural health cells.

If, for any reason, your immune system fails to function properly, the result can be that the body’s cells react against itself. This is what causes autoimmune disease. For this reason, it is important to be aware of any symptoms of thyroid problems which can affect your immune system.

Let’s take a look at some of the immune system symptoms of thyroid problems to be aware of:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTI) especially if they are recurring
  • Upper respiratory infections, especially if they are recurring
  • Fungal infections
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Lupus
  • Candida Infections
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Any autoimmune disease
  • Cancer

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems Associated with Your Heart

One of the greatest concerns of hypothyroidism is its effect on the heart and in turn the circulatory system.  The disorder is sometimes associated with an increased risk of heart disease because of high levels of the bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) LDL which often occurs in people with hypothyroidism. Statistics have recently indicated that even a mild form of hypothyroidism can cause an increase in total cholesterol levels.

Of major concern is that this can impair the circulation of blood through your heart.  The disorder has also been associated with an enlarged heart and in extreme cases, heart failure, which is why it is so important to know the symptoms of thyroid problems.

Some of these heart related symptoms include:

  • High cholesterolsymptoms of thyroid problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow or Weak pulse (less than 60 beats per minute (bpm)
  • Fast or racing pulse (more than 90 beats per minute (bpm)
  • Issues with clotting
  • Bleeding irregularities
  • Heart Disease
  • Enlarged Heart

Another important factor to keep in mind is that having relatives with any of the above symptoms of thyroid problems increases your risk for the condition as well. There are many factors involved such as the health of your mother at birth, your diet, stress levels, and others. And many of these factors are commonly shared among family.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all family members will develop any or all of the symptoms of thyroid problems. It just makes you more susceptible. So, even if you don’t suffer from many of the different signs of thyroid problems, it’s all the more reason to start eating the best hypothyroidism diet to help ensure that you keep it that way.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

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When you consider how tiny the thyroid gland really is, you may find it surprising that it can be responsible for such a large number of associated symptoms of hypothyroidism.  We tend to think of hypothyroidism mostly in terms of our metabolism and its connection to our ability to lose or gain weight, but it’s really so much more.

The thyroid gland, which is often compared to the shape of a butterfly, manufactures important and necessary hormones the human body needs in order to remain in optimal health. Most important, the gland must produce these hormones in exactly the right amount.

If the thyroid isn’t making enough of these hormones, which is quite common, the body can develop any of the various symptoms of hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, there are so many symptoms of hypothyroidism that are wrongfully attributed to other disorders, it is often overlooked and the hypothyroidism diagnosis is missed.

Flaw in Hypothyroidism Testing

Because of flaws in the currently used testing methods, many people are misdiagnosed due to inaccurate negative test results. And their health care provider never associates their complaints with the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The consequence is that many patients, who would benefit from the right treatment for hypothyroidism, are given other medications and treatments which are unnecessary and oftentimes dangerous.  Because of this, a thorough knowledge of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism is the only absolute approach for an accurate diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

There is an approach which is not only quite simple, but always leads to a correct diagnosis. It involves a therapeutic trial wherein the patient simply follows a proper hypothyroidism treatment protocol. It includes eating the correct diet for hypothyroidism and closely monitoring symptoms. If your symptoms improve, you can rest assured your suspicions about having Hypothyroidism are correct.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism by Category

Symptoms of hypothyroidism are numerous and involve several systems of the body.  Before we take a look at some of the signs you need to be aware of, keep in mind that in its early stages, hypothyroidism usually has very mild symptoms that can easily be overlooked.

Eventually, however, as hormone levels worsen, symptoms will become more apparent.  Also keep in mind that the condition is more prevalent in women than in men and especially in women over the age of 50.

Below, I’ve broken down the symptoms of hypothyroidism by simple categories according to the system they affect.

Muscle and Joint Problems

Hypothyroidism has a tendency to create muscle or joint-related complications.  Symptoms of hypothyroidism can range from a mild sense of weakness in your arms to the debilitating condition known as carpel tunnel. Any of the following symptoms could actually be pointing to hypothyroidism.

  • A general sense of weaknesssymptoms of hypothyroidism
  • Carpal tunnel (pain, tingling, burning and discomfort in your wrist)
  • Cramps or stiffness
  • Discomfort in your toes
  • Joint pain and aches
  • Muscular weakness
  • Muscular pain
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome (pain, tingling, burning, and discomfort in the arch of your foot
  • Tendonitis (legs or arms)

Voice, Neck and Throat Problems

The following hypothyroidism symptoms often begin with a sense of swelling or fullness in the neck.  As the disorder progresses, you may develop a noticeable swollen neck or goiter.

  • Hoarse or gravelly voice
  • Swollen neck or swollen area in the neck
  • Goiter
  • Pain in neck region
  • Noticeably enlarged thyroid

Eye Problems

Eye problems related to hypothyroidism are often misdiagnosed. Many people have a tendency to attribute blurred vision and dry eyes to growing older, but oftentimes hormonal imbalances can play a significant role. So, your eye issues could be just other symptoms of hypothyroidism.

  • Blurred vision
  • Dry and gritty eyes
  • Heavy Eyelids
  • Puffy eyes
  • Sensitivity to light and/or the sun

Heart Problems

As you can see from this list of cardiac disorders, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious and life threatening conditions.

  • Clotting/Bleeding issues
  • Fast pulse (over 90 BPM)
  • Heart Disease
  • Heart Palpitations
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Slow pulse (under 60 BPM)

Sleep Problems

Generally, sleep disorders go hand in hand with hypothyroidism.  Any of the following may be symptoms of hypothyroidism.

  • Difficulty getting out of bed in the morningsymptoms of hypothyroidism
  • Excessive snoring
  • Feeling unrested when waking up
  • Frequent nightmares
  • Insomnia
  • Night Sweats
  • Poor quality of sleep
  • Sleep apnea

Energy Problems

One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is a sense of being tired all the time.  In fact, fatigue is often the first symptom noticed by someone suffering from multiple hypothyroid symptoms.

  • Afternoon energy crash
  • Always feeling fatigued
  • Feeling exhausted after 8 to 10 hours of sleep
  • Inability to exercise
  • Inability to get through a day without a nap
  • Loss of stamina

Hair, Skin and Nail Problems

Your hair and skin are especially susceptible to thyroid conditions.  Brittle nails that tend to break, or hair that changes from normal to coarse and dry, especially if it falls out or breaks off could actually be symptoms of hypothyroidism.

  • Brittle Hair
  • Hair Loss
  • Loss of Eyelashes
  • Skin that becomes dry and coarse
  • Unusual loss of eyebrow hair
  • Brittle nails that break easily

Symptoms Specifically for Women

Thyroid hormones function in many different parts of the female body, including the reproductive system.  Many women find themselves suffering from any number of the following symptoms of hypothyroidism.

  • Fibroids
  • Infertility
  • Loss of Libido
  • Painful periods
  • PMS
  • Postpartum thyroid difficulties, especially in conjunction with depression
  • Repeated miscarriage
  • Severe menstrual cramps
  • Unusual menstrual periods – increased flow, more frequent periods

Symptoms Specifically for Men

Similarly, the thyroid hormones are important to the male reproductive system as well.  As with many of the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, they are often overlooked and attributed to some other disorder.

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Loss of libido

Mental and Emotional Problems

Unfortunately, a considerable number of problems related to your mental and emotional health can actually be caused by a thyroid that isn’t producing the accurate balance of hormones.

  • ADD/ADHD
  • Antisocial behavior
  • Bipolar tendencies
  • Confusion, restlessness, poor concentration
  • Depression
  • Difficulty learning new things
  • Easily upset
  • Epilepsy or seizures
  • Lack of confidence
  • Light headedness, vertigo or dizziness
  • Loss of motivation
  • Mood swings
  • Panic attacks
  • Phobias
  • Slow speech,
  • Trembling, Jittery or shivery feeling Lack of coordination

Immune Related Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

As you can see from this list, hypothyroidism can lead to some very severe medical conditions. Unfortunately, these are often misdiagnosed and the real problem is overlooked.

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Fungal and Candida infections
  • Lupus
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Recurring upper respiratory infections
  • Recurring urinary tract infections
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Digestive Problems

As with the other systems in the human body, digestive disorders can be annoying, and in some cases lead to more severe conditions that can become chronic and serious.  If you suffer from any of these symptoms of hypothyroidism, consider the fact that your thyroid may be the problem.

  • Abdominal distention
  • Alcohol intolerance
  • Bad breath
  • Constipation
  • Cravings for salt
  • Cravings for sweets
  • Diabetes
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dry mouth
  • Excessive gas
  • Food allergies and sensitivities
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Irritable bower syndrome (IBS)
  • Liver/gallbladder issues
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen tongue or ridges on tongue

Believe it or not, this is only a partial list of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism. If you are suffering from any of these health problems and haven’t been able to track down the cause, it’s time to consider hypothyroidism as a real legitimate possibility. Remember, even if you’ve had a thyroid tested and it came back negative, that doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t suffer from hypothyroidism.