Hypothyroidism
Causes of Hypothyroidism
Levels of Hypothyroidism
Primary
It is caused by the thyroid gland. It happens when the gland stops producing enough hormones due to iodine deficiency. It is the most common level of hypothyroidism.
Signs and Symptoms
Early
Cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Weight gain and water retention
Bradycardia (low heart rate – fewer than sixty beats per minute)
Fatigue
Decreased sweating
Muscle cramps and joint pain
Dry, itchy skin
Thin, brittle fingernails
Rapid thoughts
Depression
Poor muscle tone (muscle hypotonia)
Late
Goiter
Slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice – deepening of the voice can also be noticed.
Dry puffy skin, especially on the face
Abnormal menstrual cycles
Low basal body temperature
Thyroid-related depression
Infertility in both men and women
Mood swings
Acute fatigue syndrome
Stress
Uncommon
Impaired memory
Sluggish reflexes
Hair loss
Anemia caused by impaired haemoglobin synthesis (decreased EPO levels), impaired intestinal iron and folate absorption or B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia
Difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern
Increased need for sleep
Irritability and mood instability
Deafness
Enlarged tongue