Hypothyroidism underactive thyroid is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease. Accurate thyroid function tests are available to diagnose hypothyroidism. Treatment with synthetic thyroid hormone is usually simple, safe and effective once you and your doctor find the right dose for you.
Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. 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. After 12 weeks, depression scores improved significantly in the thyroid hormone group, but not in the placebo group. In many women with hypothyroidism, menstrual periods become irregular and unpredictable. This can have a negative impact on fertility , as can the autoimmune problems that often cause hypothyroidism.
In a study published in January in the Endocrine Journal , 69 infertile women with subclinical hypothyroidism were given thyroid hormone treatment. After this, Myxedema is a rare but life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism that involves extreme fatigue and impaired cognition, followed by loss of consciousness. In someone with untreated hypothyroidism, a myxedema coma can be triggered by stress on the body, an infection, or taking sedatives , according to the Mayo Clinic.
Both myxedema and certain other cases of severe hypothyroidism require intravenous IV delivery of thyroid hormone, since fluid in the gut lining may prevent absorption of oral drugs. But Tylee emphasizes that doctors should check for hypothyroidism well before severe symptoms develop. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. These can lead to:. People with untreated hypothyroidism may also be more prone to carpal tunnel syndrome. Hypothyroidism reduces fertility in both men and women. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of sex hormones, which control the production of sperm and eggs.
In men, low levels of thyroid hormones have been linked to erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape, and decreased libido. Men with hypothyroidism often also have low levels of testosterone. Evidence from multiple studies suggests that menstrual problems are three times more frequent in women with hypothyroidism. Variation in flow and irregular menstruation are the most common symptoms.
Women with autoimmune thyroid disorder are also more likely to have infertility. Studies suggest that not enough thyroid hormones during pregnancy may cause problems. It can increase the risk of a miscarriage or other complications, like preeclampsia or preterm birth. That way, proper treatment can begin as soon as possible. You may need to adjust the dose of thyroid medication frequently during pregnancy, so regular thyroid tests are important. If you notice symptoms of hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor.
Being proactive and treating hypothyroidism early can help avoid any major complications. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. Autoimmune Disorder. While the syndrome can occur even in teenage years or early adulthood, it more commonly occurs in middle-aged patients. Radiation Exposure. Antibody Test As part of the blood test, your doctor may also perform an antibody test.
Ultrasound Your doctor may also take an ultrasound of your thyroid. How can we help? Recent Posts. Read More. It helps with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other conditions. Low magnesium can affect your mood too! Feeling tense, tight, anxious, or just otherwise—wound too tight? It might ADHD is a neurological condition characterized by symptoms of inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Anxiety is a disorder that causes feelings of fear or worry often disproportionate Autoimmune diseases affect more than 50 million Americans and are a growing health concern in the United States.
This is because they often go undiagnosed for years before being properly diagnosed, but Are You Really Healthy? Functional lab testing helps identify hormone imbalances, metabolic issues, thyroid problems, autoimmune You May Also Like….
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