Some of the common and less common symptoms of low thyroid
A human body contains about 30 trillion cells, give or take a trillion. Each cell needs energy in order to do its work. There are organelles (little organs) in each cell. The organells that generate the energy are called mitochondria. They burn sugar, protein and fat to produce energy. Sort of like a furnace that burns coal, gas or oil to produce heat and energy. But in order to work, mitochondria need a thyroid hormone called T3. If they do not get enough T3, they will not burn the fuel, so the energy level will be low. Different cells show this lack of energy differently, which is why there are so many symptoms in a person with low thyroid. Some symptoms are quite common and well-known. Some are less known and are not readily recognized, except by a doctor knowledgeable about low thyroid.
Common hypothyroid symptoms
- fatigue
- getting tired easily
- weight gain
- feeling colder than others
- constipation
- hair loss
- dry skin
- depression
- low body temperature
Less common thyroid symptoms
- anxiety
- intolerance to cold
- hoarseness or voice changes
- lack of motivation
- mood changes
- brain fog
- accelerated hardening of the arteries
- decreased libido
- irregular or heavy menstruation
- infertility
- decreased hearing
- muscle weakness or pain
- joint pain or stiffness
- numb and tingling hands
- restless leg syndrome
- premature graying of hair in young adults
- swollen eyelids
- puffy face
- swelling of the hands, feet, or legs
- thick tongue
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- difficult menopause
- fibrocystic breasts
- slowed heart rate
- decreased or increased sweating
- decreased appetite
This is not a complete list, there are quite a few more symptoms.
Of course, there are other causes of each of these symptoms, but low thyroid should be considered as a potential cause.
Plus, low thyroid can cause changes in certain laboratory tests.
Hypothyroidism can cause mild anemia, with a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
Creatine Kinase (CK or sometimes called CPK) levels may be elevated, indicating muscle damage or inflammation.
Liver Enzymes such as ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate transaminase) can go up.
Prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, may be elevated, leading to menstrual irregularities.
Hypothyroidism can affect the level of certain electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.
- Michael Tepisky, MD
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