Yourthyroidis a butterfly-shaped organ that sits at the base of your neck.
It produces hormones that regulate body functions.
When your thyroid gland is underactive (called hypothyroidism), it makes too little hormone.
© Verywell, 2018
When that occurs, yourmetabolism slows down, and your thyroid may not function normally.
In addition, withouttreatment, a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) may develop.
Other complications can also develop.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
This article explains hypothyroid symptoms, complications, and when to see a healthcare provider.
However, symptoms are more dramatic when it develops rapidly.
Moreover, the symptoms can vary significantly from person to person; no single symptom definitively clinches ahypothyroidism diagnosis.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be non-specific or attributed to other factors, like stress and aging.
Therefore, they are often easily missed.
Slowing Metabolic Processes
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are the result of a slowed metabolism.
That’s because decreased blood flow, water retention, and slow processes accompany the condition.
Psychiatric Problems
Hypothyroidism may also mimic the symptoms ofdepression.
These shared symptoms may include:
People with hypothyroidism may also feel inexplicably anxious or irritable.
It happens when thyroid hormone levels are extremely low.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
The most common cause ofcongenital hypothyroidismis thyroiddysgenesis.
The thyroid gland is either missing, malformed, or severely underdeveloped in this condition.
Acquired Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s disease, iodine deficiency, or radiation treatment may cause acquired hypothyroidism.
One of the characteristic signs is the swelling of the neck triggered by the enlargement of the thyroid gland.
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism in children include:
Hypothyroidism can also occur in children.
These cases are either congenital (present at birth) or acquired.
Jaundice, poor feeding, and lethargy may be indicators of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns.
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism in kids.
Complications
Several medical conditions may occur due to hypothyroidism, especially when untreated or uncontrolled.
In some cases, your neck and throat may be sore or tender.
Less commonly, swallowing or even breathing can become difficult.
That’s because sometimes a goiter can block your windpipe or esophagus.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Hypothyroidism is known to causeperipheral neuropathy.
It can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on which nerves are damaged.
However, researchers believe that hypothyroidism leads to fluid retention, resulting in swollen tissues.
When excess fluid causes pressure in this area, it can result incarpal tunnel syndrome.
This discomfort is often worse at night, especially if you sleep with your wrists bent.
Reduced red blood cells can lead toanemia.
Anemia is a condition where red blood cell count is lower than normal.
Myopathy
Myopathy(or muscle disease) may result from an underactive thyroid gland.
People with hypothyroidism-induced myopathy often complain of muscle pain and stiffness.
Infertility and Pregnancy Problems
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to menstrual irregularities, which can lead to infertility.
Untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism can lead to other medical conditions.
These include goiter, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, high cholesterol, myopathy, and fertility and pregnancy problems.
Summary
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone.
Symptoms commonly include fatigue, weight gain, “brain fog,” and mood problems.
Rarely, a condition called myxedema coma can occur when thyroid levels fall to dangerously low levels.
Hypothyroidism can lead to other medical conditions, so getting timely diagnosis and treatment is important.
If left untreated, hypothyroidism could lead to very serious complications.
A flare-up is when you feel hypothyroidism symptoms.
These flare-ups can occur even if you’re on daily hormone replacement therapy.
For instance, you might feel unusual fatigue, aches, sensitivity to cold, or memory problems.
In addition, stress, diet, and certain medications may cause these flare-ups.
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