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Thyroid Disease Symptoms

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Fatigue, depression and weight gain are three often overlooked, but yet quite common thyroid disease symptoms.  Most of us don’t pay much attention to our thyroid gland. Conventional medicine has really done a poor job of practically ignoring it and just “expecting” it to do its job.  The reality is that there are millions of people suffering daily from a number of thyroid disease symptoms, yet they have no idea what is causing these symptoms to occur.

Unfortunately the most commonly used tests to diagnose thyroid disease are not accurate to say the least.  Because of this, it’s extremely important that we spread awareness about the vast number of thyroid symptoms so that people can start addressing this very real and prevalent problem instead of being continuously treated for other non-related health problems..

I’ve already mentioned three of the most common symptoms – but let’s take a closer look at those since they are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions.

Common Thyroid Disease Symptoms # 1 – Fatigue

Fatigue is not only one of the early thyroid disease symptoms, but is also one of the most frustrating. Often it begins with just feeling a little more tired than usual in the afternoon, but can soon progress to the point that you feel exhausted most of the time no matter how much sleep you get.

Everyone enjoys a nap once in a while, but if it becomes a necessity just to get through your day, perhaps you should take a closer look at your symptoms and note any others that can be related to hypothyroidism. Oftentimes these energy lows turn into chronic patterns in your day-to-day life. If you notice that your energy fluctuations follow a daily pattern then this is a pretty good indication that your energy and sleep problems are in fact thyroid disease symptoms.

Common Thyroid Disease Symptoms # 2 – Weight Gain

thyroid disease symptomsWeight gain, or weight loss resistance, is one of the most well- known thyroid disease symptoms. Most people understand that thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and that when they are askew, it’s common to start putting on extra pounds. What is lesser known is the fact that dieting for such weight gain is usually fruitless.

The normal response to weight gain is to cut back on your eating.  However, with thyroid disease, it just doesn’t work that way. The less you eat, the slower your metabolism, and the slower your metabolism, the harder it is to lose weight. People often find themselves in a cycle of unsuccessful yo-yo dieting because they fail to understand the drastic influence that their thyroid has on their metabolism.

Common Thyroid Disease Symptoms # 3 – Depression

Depression comes as a surprise to many people who would never think of associating depression with their thyroid gland. However, science continues to shed light on the fact that depression is one of the most common symptoms. It really has to do with how your hormones influence your mood.

While we’ve covered the 3 most common symptoms, there are also a number of other symptoms that need to be mentioned.

Male Specific Thyroid Disease Symptoms

thyroid disease symptomsHypothyroidism can affect all of the body’s systems and can be especially affective at disrupting the male reproductive system.   Symptoms for men can include loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and even infertility. Fortunately, once you follow the right hypothyroidism treatment protocol to correct the underlying hypothyroidism, these conditions are completely reversible.

There are other common thyroid disease symptoms that are more prevalent in men than women including hair loss or balding, heart disease, and elevated cholesterol just to name a few.

Female Specific Thyroid Disease Symptoms

Just like a man’s reproductive system is oftentimes affected by hypothyroidism, a woman’s reproductive organs are often affected as well. Symptoms range from irregular menstrual cycles to infertility.  It is not unusual for women to have painful cycles that are heavy and last longer than normal. Just like with men, once the underlying cause is addressed, these conditions are reversible.

General Thyroid Disease Symptoms Worth Noting

There are a large number of other thyroid disease symptoms that we’ve yet to cover. In fact, there isn’t enough space in this article to give them all due justice. Below, I’ve listed some additional general symptoms worth noting and that may help indicate whether or not you suffer from hypothyroidism:

Other Common Thyroid Disease Symptoms

  • Joint pain
  • Body stiffness
  • Constipation
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Water retention
  • Thin, brittle nails
  • Prickling sensation on skin
  • Feel worse after exercise
  • Puffy or swollen eyelids
  • Swollen neck or goiter
  • Arthritis
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Though process feel slow
  • Memory problems
  • Tooth decay
  • Chronic gum infections
  • Sleep apnea/increased snoring
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Tongue swollen
  • Slurred speech
  • Bulging eyes

One of the first things that I do with my clients is to have them fill out a complete thyroid symptom checklist so that they can begin to realize just how far reaching their hypothyroidism really is. Most are dealing with a number of low thyroid symptoms that they never once thought could be related to their thyroid.

I’ve actually made this checklist available to you when you sign up for my free reports and I strongly encourage you to get it and see for yourself. Plus, you’ll get a number of other resources to help you to start taking a much more active role in your health.

If you suffer from any of thyroid disease symptoms that I’ve listed here or even have the slightest inkling that you might be hypothyroid, then I highly recommend you conduct your own therapeutic trial to confirm your own diagnosis. This is a far better option than using any of the highly inaccurate tests used today.

Simply follow a proper hypothyroidism treatment protocol including the right hypothyroidism diet and track your thyroid function through the process. If your symptoms improve along with your measure of thyroid function then you can be fairly certain that your suspicions were correct.

Just keep in mind that the scope of these thyroid disease symptoms is quite vast and that the right treatment option can help you turn your life around and have you back to your old happy and healthy self in no time.

Hypothyroidism in Men

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Hypothyroidism in men is often overlooked due to the big misconception that thyroid problems are exclusive only to women.  It’s true that one doesn’t hear a lot about hypothyroidism in men, but it’s not because men aren’t susceptible. On the contrary, many men do suffer from hypothyroidism but unfortunately there is very little awareness and the condition is more often than not, misdiagnosed.

Because most doctors use weight as their main indicator as to the possible involvement of hypothyroidism, they all too often dismiss all of the other hypothyroidism symptoms that their patients present when their weight is not a problem.

Needless to say, there’s men need to do a much better job at recognizing the symptoms and addressing them with the appropriate hypothyroidism treatment.

If not addressed, a lack of thyroid hormone can eventually become a serious health problem which I’ll explain a second. This is why it is so important to have a good understanding of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in men and address the condition sooner than later. The longer you wait, the more difficult and longer the road to recovery.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Men

I want to cover some of the more common symptoms of hypothyroidism in men. But do keep in mind that this is just a very short list and there are a lot of other symptoms beyond these. For a more complete list, be sure to check out this list of hypothyroidism symptoms.

And keep in mind that eating the right hypothyroidism diet is key in helping men to overcome hypothyroidism.

Here are just a few of the symptoms of that are important to note:

Fatigue and Hypothyroidism in Men

Fatigue is one of the first signs that your thyroid is either not producing enough thyroid hormone or that your thyroid hormone is not getting delivered to your cells properly.

Hypothyroidism in men, if not addressed, will eventually interfere with your ability do normal activities. Some men report that they feel sluggish or experience a decrease in mobility and reaction time. Many complain that they feel so tired at work that they are concerned about falling asleep on the job.

Many men write fatigue off as something that just occurs with age instead of realizing that it’s not normal and that there is something that you can do about it.

Oftentimes stress hormones can keep you going as long as you stay active but once you sit down and try to relax, the fatigue kicks in and you have a difficult time staying awake.

Weight Gain and Hypothyroidism in Men

hypothyroidism in menWeight gain is yet another symptom that most men completely write off as a byproduct of age. You may have been an avid athlete in your youth but today, your weight is beyond your control.

Your thyroid controls your metabolism so it does play an integral role in the number of calories you burn, but it goes beyond that. Hormonal imbalances that are a byproduct of hypothyroidism play a big role as well. Stress hormones in particular cause fat to accumulate around your midsection.

In any case, slow and unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight are both common symptoms of hypothyroidism in men.

Sexual Dysfunction and Hypothyroidism in Men

This is a big one that men typically don’t talk about. But given that the little blue pill is one of the largest grossing drugs every single year, it’s safe to say that many men are relying on a little extra help.

Hypothyroidism can impact a man’s reproductive organs and associated hormones. A study on the Prevalence of sexual symptoms in male Hypo- and Hyper-Thyroid Patients, released by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in December, 2005, indicated there is a definite connection between specific sexual problems and hypothyroidism in men.

Research indicated that 64.3 percent of men suffering from hypothyroidism had common sexual problems such as:

  • Delayed ejaculation
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility
  • Low sex drive
  • Premature ejaculation

The men were examined when their thyroid levels first revealed a problem with their thyroid and again two to four months after their thyroid levels returned to normal range.

Researchers found that men whose thyroid returned to normal function experienced prompt reversal of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in men.

Aches, Pains, and Hypothyroidism in Men

hypothyroidism in menHypothyroidism is also the cause of a lot of muscle aches, pains, cramps, tenderness, and stiffness as well as pain and swelling in the joints.

What have we learned from men so far? That most are going to ignore these symptoms and continue on with their restricted lives instead of dealing with the problem head on.

These aches and pains can be contributed to a number of causes. For starters, poor blood sugar handling is common cause for headaches and migraines, especially when the brain isn’t getting the nutrition it need to function properly.

There’s also the issue of calcium retention that occurs with hypothyroidism. When connective tissue retains calcium, it will begin to calcify the connective tissue leaving you stiff and uncomfortable.

Nutrient and mineral imbalances such as a magnesium deficiency which is also associated with hypothyroidism in men can also lead to aches, pains, and muscle cramps.

The increased estrogen associated with hypothyroidism can cause nerve swelling which can contribute to numbness and MS type pain symptoms.

High Cholesterol and Hypothyroidism in Men

It has been known since the 1940’s that cholesterol increases in direct proportion as thyroid function decreases. Yet today, doctors don’t seem to be aware of this very telling relationship.

In fact, during the 1940’s, doctors used cholesterol as a sign of hypothyroidism and would track it as an indicator that their hypothyroidism treatment plan was working. Your cholesterol will lower to normal levels at the same rate that your thyroid function returns to normal.

The medical community likes to use cholesterol as a risk indicator for heart disease but the truth is that it’s hypothyroidism and its negative effects on your body that lead to heart disease, not cholesterol itself.

Thyroid researcher and scientist Dr. Broda Barnes demonstrated this very phenomenon. In one of his research studies, he showed that by removing the thyroid gland and inducing hypothyroidism, heart disease developed. And by reversing the hypothyroidism, heart disease disappeared.

Even today, high cholesterol is becoming one of the more common hypothyroidism symptoms in women.

These are all common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in men that largely go undiagnosed or are diagnosed and improperly treated independent of hypothyroidism. By properly treating your hypothyroidism and taking it seriously, you can literally add years back to your life.

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 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.