Category Archives: Hypothyroidism

Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually appear slowly over months or years. Symptoms and signs may include:

Some less common symptoms may include:

In general, how bad your symptoms are depends on your age, how long you have had hypothyroidism, and the seriousness of the condition. The symptoms may be so mild and happen so slowly that they go unnoticed for years.

Mild (subclinical) hypothyroidism often causes no symptoms or vague symptoms that may be attributed to aging, such as memory problems, dry skin, and fatigue.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism during and after pregnancy include fatigue, weight loss, dizziness, depression, and memory and concentration problems.

Because of the range of symptoms, hypothyroidism can be mistaken for depression, especially during and after pregnancy. In older people, it may be confused with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other conditions that cause memory problems.

Although rare, hypothyroidism can occur in infants, children, and teens. In infants, symptoms of a goiter include a poor appetite and choking on food. Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include dry, scaly skin. In children and teens, symptoms include behavior problems and changes in school performance. Children and teens may gain weight and yet have a slowed growth rate. Teens may have delayed puberty and look much younger than their age.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

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Hypothyroidism-Symptoms - WebMD

The most common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism. Hypo- means deficient or under(active), so hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. Recognizing the symptoms of hypothyroidism is extremely important. The sooner you detect the symptoms, the sooner you can receive proper treatment to manage the disorder.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Below are major symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.

You don't have to encounter every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Every patient's experience with the disorder is different. While you may notice that your skin and hair have become dry and rough, another patient may be plagued more by fatigue and depression.

The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level reflects the severity of the hypothyroidism. For example, if you have a mild form of hypothyroidism and a relatively lower TSH level, you may not noticeor even havesymptoms. That's because your hormone levels haven't decreased to the point where they have a major impact on your metabolism. The more hypothyroid you become, the more symptomatic you'll be.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren't always noticeable, but it's important that you understand what to look out for. Recognizing hypothyroidism early on will allow you to manage the disorder and prevent it from interfering with your life.

Updated on: 06/02/14

Causes of Hypothyroidism

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Hypothyroidism Symptoms - Endocrine Diseases: thyroid ...

There can be many reasons why the cells in the thyroid gland cant make enough thyroid hormone. Here are the major causes, from the most to the least common:

Autoimmune disease. In some peoples bodies, the immune system that protects the body from invading infections can mistake thyroid gland cells and their enzymes for invaders and can attack them. Then there arent enough thyroid cells and enzymes left to make enough thyroid hormone. This is more common in women than men. Autoimmune thyroiditis can begin suddenly or it can develop slowly over years. The most common forms are Hashimotos thyroiditis and atrophic thyroiditis.

Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland. Some people with thyroid nodules, thyroid cancer, or Graves disease need to have part or all of their thyroid removed. If the whole thyroid is removed, people will definitely become hypothyroid. If part of the gland is left, it may be able to make enough thyroid hormone to keep blood levels normal.

Radiation treatment. Some people with Graves disease, nodular goiter, or thyroid cancer are treated with radioactive iodine (I-131) for the purpose of destroying their thyroid gland. Patients with Hodgkins disease, lymphoma, or cancers of the head or neck are treated with radiation. All these patients can lose part or all of their thyroid function.

Congenital hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism that a baby is born with). A few babies are born without a thyroid or with only a partly formed one. A few have part or all of their thyroid in the wrong place (ectopic thyroid). In some babies, the thyroid cells or their enzymes dont work right.

Thyroiditis. Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, usually caused by an autoimmune attack or by a viral infection. Thyroiditis can make the thyroid dump its whole supply of stored thyroid hormone into the blood at once, causing brief hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid activity); then the thyroid becomes underactive.

Medicines. Medicines such as amiodarone, lithium, interferon alpha, and interleukin-2 can prevent the thyroid gland from being able to make hormone normally. These drugs are most likely to trigger hypothyroidism in patients who have a genetic tendency to autoimmune thyroid disease.

Too much or too little iodine. The thyroid gland must have iodine to make thyroid hormone. Iodine comes into the body in food and travels through the blood to the thyroid. Keeping thyroid hormone production in balance requires the right amount of iodine. Taking in too much iodine can cause or worsen hypothyroidism.

Damage to the pituitary gland. The pituitary, the master gland, tells the thyroid how much hormone to make. When the pituitary is damaged by a tumor, radiation, or surgery, it may no longer be able to give the thyroid instructions and the thyroid may stop making enough hormone.

Rare disorders that infiltrate the thyroid. In a few people, diseases deposit abnormal substances in the thyroid and impair its ability to function. For example, amyloidosis can deposit amyloid protein, sarcoidosis can deposit granulomas, and hemochromatosis can deposit iron.

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Hypothyroidism | American Thyroid Association

Review

Dr. Starr has written clear and understandable explanation of why so many people today are suffering from hypothyroidism, despite normal blood test that throw their doctors off the track. Having successfully treated several thousand type 2 hypothyroid patients myself over 23 years practice and watching them return to normal health, I applaud Dr. Starr s work which will hopefully reach many of those who are suffering so they can get help. His in-depth research and discussion of how environmental toxins can interfere with thyroid hormones is groundbreaking and enlightening for us all. Bravo Mark! --Robban Sica, M.D.

I believe everyone needs to review Mark Starr s book. He has a vital message to share about the many people who do not realize they have low thyroid, because standard thyroid tests do not show it. Mark Starr s dedication to research, and his devoted study with the old masters, have made him an international expert on thyroid and iodine. ---- Garry Gordon, M.D., D.O., M.D.(H)

I believe everyone needs to review Mark Starr s book. He has a vital message to share about the many people who do not realize they have low thyroid, because standard thyroid tests do not show it. Mark Starr s dedication to research, and his devoted study with the old masters, have made him an international expert on thyroid and iodine. --Garry Gordon, M.D., D.O., M.D.(H)

I believe everyone needs to review Mark Starr s book. He has a vital message to share about the many people who do not realize they have low thyroid, because standard thyroid tests do not show it. Mark Starr s dedication to research, and his devoted study with the old masters, have made him an international expert on thyroid and iodine. --Garry Gordon, M.D., D.O., M.D.(H)

I believe everyone needs to review Mark Starr s book. He has a vital message to share about the many people who do not realize they have low thyroid, because standard thyroid tests do not show it. Mark Starr s dedication to research, and his devoted study with the old masters, have made him an international expert on thyroid and iodine. --Garry Gordon, M.D., D.O., M.D.(H)

As a Diplomat of the American Board of Pain Medicine and Fellow of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Starr delivered lectures at International Courses on Musculoskeletal Pain and Fibromyalgia. The courses were held at Mt. Sinai Hospital and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is a life member of the national registry of Who's Who published in the 1999 edition. Dr. Mark Starr finished his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Missouri, Rusk Rehabilitation Center in 1994. The following two years, he studied in New York City with several of the world's premier pain specialists: Hans Kraus, MD, Norman Marcus, MD. Lawrence Sonkin, MD, PhD, and Andrew A Fischer, MD, PhD. Initially, Dr. Starr worked eighteen months at the Bronx Veteran's Hospital with Dr. Fischer, the renowned musculoskeletal pain specialist, author, lecturer, and former student of Hans Kraus. Following his work with Dr. Fischer, Dr. Starr studied at the New York Pain Treatment Program at Lenox Hill Hospital, with Drs. Kraus and Marcus. Dr. Starr was treated by and studied under Dr. Sonkin, the New York Cornell Endocrinologist, who worked closely with Dr. Kraus for thirty years. Dr. Kraus' books included Therapeutic Exercise, Backache, Stress, and Tension, The Sports Injury Handbook, and Diagnosis and Treatment of Muscle Pain. Dr. Starr has been in private practice since 1996. He has attended American Academy of Anti-aging Meetings & American Academy of Environmental Medicine meetings. Dr. Starr is involved in clinical studies on the relationship and treatment of hormone imbalances, heavy metal toxicity, Candidiasis, chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue, and pain. He is adept at maximizing health through natural hormone therapies.

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Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic: 9780975262405 ...

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you have 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 signs and symptoms. Hypothyroidism signs and symptom may include:

When hypothyroidism isn't treated, signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid gland to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow, or you may feel depressed.

Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal.

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, they 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.

You'll also need to see your doctor for periodic testing of your thyroid function if you've had previous thyroid surgery; treatment with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications; or radiation therapy to your head, neck or upper chest. However, it may take years or even decades before any of these therapies or procedures result in hypothyroidism.

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Hypothyroidism Symptoms - Mayo Clinic