Signs and Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid Gland

November 14th, 2009 | jones | Insomnia Cures

It is estimated that millions of Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. Due to the wide variety of symptoms, some people might not even realize they have the condition.

Hypothyroidism is a condition that is associated with a lowered metabolic rate. Since every cell in the body depends on thyroid hormones, a wide range of symptoms can appear. The overlap of symptoms of an under-active thyroid with that of other conditions, can make it difficult to receive the right diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of an under-active thyroid?

Development of a goiter - When the thyroid gets stimulated beyond its capacity, it becomes enlarged and visible in the neck
Fatigue - This is a very general complaint that can be a sign of many different conditions
Swollen hands and feet - This is due to water retention
Difficulty concentrating - If you suddenly have a hard time focusing and concentrating while you didn’t have that problem before, then a thyroid problem could be the cause
Lowered libido
Muscle cramps and bone pain
Dry, brittle hair
Inability to lose weight - If your eating habits haven’t changed much, but you start to gain weight
Sensitivity to cold temperatures - With an under-active thyroid, you become more sensitive to the cold
Increased sleepiness
Itchy skin

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Ordinarily, hypothyroidism was thought to develop due to low iodine levels in the body. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and the thyroid is the only tissue in the body that can absorb iodine. We receive the majority of our required iodine through iodized table salt.

Certain medications taken for other conditions, may interfere with thyroid functioning. Genetic factors may put you at risk for developing hypothyroidism. If certain family members have hypothyroidism, then you are at an increased risk of developing the condition yourself.

A temporary rise in thyroid activity followed by a low output of thyroid hormone is frequently associated with a thyroid inflammation, called thyroiditis. This type of inflammation is usually caused by an auto-immune reaction, in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue. This condition is frequently seen in post-partum women. The inflammation causes a temporary increase in thyroid production with the associated weight loss. This hyperthyroidism usually corrects itself, but may also lead to chronic hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is often treated with medications first. In many cases, normal thyroid functioning can be achieved by either synthetic thyroid hormone or thyroid hormone derived from animal tissue. Some people improve their condition by taking a specific thyroid supplement. In addition, certain foods that interfere with normal thyroid functioning should be avoided. If you think you may have hypothyroidism, talk to your health care professional and determine the best course of action.