Myxedema is more specific to thyroid problems than other causes of dry skin Summary: Hypothyroidism commonly causes dry skin. However, most people with dry skin do not have hypothyroidism.
Myxedema is a red, swollen rash that is characteristic of thyroid problems. Feeling Down or Depressed. Hypothyroidism is linked to depression. The reasons for this are unclear, but it might be a mental symptom of an overall decrease in energy and health About the same percentage of men and women also experience anxiety In one study, thyroid hormone replacement improved depression in patients with mild hypothyroidism, compared to a placebo Another study of young women with mild hypothyroidism showed increased feelings of depression, which were also connected to decreased satisfaction with their sex lives Furthermore, postpartum hormone fluctuations are a common cause of hypothyroidism, potentially contributing to postpartum depression 7 , 20 , Feeling depressed is a good reason to talk to a physician or therapist.
They may be able to help you cope, regardless of whether the depression is caused by thyroid problems or something else. Summary: Hypothyroidism can cause depression and anxiety. These conditions are shown to improve with thyroid hormone replacement.
Trouble Concentrating or Remembering. The way this mental fogginess presents itself varies by person. In another study of 14 men and women with untreated hypothyroidism, the participants showed difficulty remembering verbal cues 4.
The causes for this are not yet fully understood, but difficulties in memory improve with treatment of low thyroid hormone 22 , Difficulties in memory or concentration can happen to everyone, but if they are sudden or severe, they could be a signal of hypothyroidism.
Summary: Hypothyroidism can cause mental fogginess and difficulty concentrating. It may also impair certain kinds of memory.
Low thyroid levels put the brakes on your colon. If you experience constipation but otherwise feel fine, try these natural laxatives before worrying about your thyroid. However, if constipation is accompanied by other signs of hypothyroidism, your thyroid may be the cause.
Heavy or Irregular Periods. Both irregular and heavy menstrual bleeding are linked to hypothyroidism. These women had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after other symptoms had caused them to get tested Thyroid hormone interacts with other hormones that control the menstrual cycle, and abnormal levels of it can disrupt their signals. Also, thyroid hormone directly affects the ovaries and uterus.
There are several problems besides hypothyroidism that can cause heavy or irregular periods. If you have irregular or heavy periods that disrupt your lifestyle, consider talking with a gynecologist before worrying about your thyroid. Summary: Heavy periods or irregular cycles that are worse than usual could be caused by a medical condition, including hypothyroidism.
The Bottom Line. Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, is a common disorder. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain and feeling cold. It can also result in problems with your hair, skin, muscles, memory or mood. Importantly, none of these problems are unique to hypothyroidism.
Yet if you are having several of these symptoms or they are new, worsening or severe, see your doctor to decide if you need to be tested for hypothyroidism. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is generally treatable with inexpensive medications. If your thyroid hormone levels are low, a simple treatment could greatly improve your quality of life.
Read this article in Spanish. Treating Hypothyroidism. Written by Matthew Thorpe on March 8, Read this next. Primary Hypothyroidism. Interpreting Thyroid Levels Tests. Problems tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years. At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain. Or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more-obvious problems.
Although hypothyroidism most often affects middle-aged and older women, anyone can develop the condition, including infants. Initially, babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that doesn't work properly may have few signs and symptoms.
When newborns do have problems with hypothyroidism, the problems may include:. As the disease progresses, infants are likely to have trouble feeding and may fail to grow and develop normally. They may also have:. When hypothyroidism in infants isn't treated, even mild cases can lead to severe physical and mental retardation. In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience:.
See your doctor if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation or a hoarse voice. If you're receiving hormone therapy for hypothyroidism, schedule follow-up visits as often as your doctor recommends.
Initially, it's important to make sure you're receiving the correct dose of medicine. And over time, the dose you need may change. When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple.
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland — triiodothyronine T3 and thyroxine T4 — have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism.
These hormones also influence the control of vital functions, such as body temperature and heart rate. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including:. Autoimmune disease. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues.
Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. TSH Thyroid-stimulating hormone Test. What is a TSH test? Other names: thyrotropin test. What is it used for? A TSH test is used to find out how well the thyroid is working. Why do I need a TSH test? Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, include: Anxiety Weight loss Tremors in the hands Increased heart rate Puffiness Bulging of the eyes Difficulty sleeping Symptoms of hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, include: Weight gain Tiredness Hair loss Low tolerance for cold temperatures Irregular menstrual periods Constipation.
What happens during a TSH test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? These tests may include: T4 thyroid hormone tests T3 thyroid hormone tests Tests to diagnose Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism Tests to diagnose Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
Is there anything else I need to know about a TSH test? References American Thyroid Association [Internet]. Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy; [cited Mar 15]; [about 2 screens]. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, Serum; p.
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