About Low Thyroid Symptoms

If you're feeling sluggish, have a lack of energy, your hair is thinning or you've gained modest weight (10 pounds), it may be time to check your thyroid. These symptoms may occur due to an underactive or low thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.

The Facts

• Hypothyroidism is a disorder caused by the moderate decrease or loss of the function of the thyroid gland. This is caused when there is swelling of the thyroid gland that leaves a large percentage of the cells of the thyroid damaged, dead or incapable of producing enough of the thyroid hormone.

Function

• The thyroid gland is in charge of managing the body's metabolism. The lack of the thyroid hormone is associated with a slow metabolism, weight gain over a course of time, fatigue and decreased sex drive or libido.

Time Frame

• The onset of an underactive or low thyroid function is gradual. However, if you are elderly or if you are pregnant, symptoms may worsen. Any change of hormones, such as pregnancy or menopause, may cause more severe symptoms.

Risk Factors

• The risks of an underactive or low thyroid are not typically life-threatening, but, if not treated, the body will overcompensate for the loss of the thyroid hormone and will produce more of the hormone. This high level of production of the hormone can cause the thyroid gland to swell and cause a goiter.

Misconceptions

• Hypothyroidism has often been mistaken as depression or dementia,due to fatigue and memory slowness that may occur with the onset of hypothyroidism. It is important to check your blood and mention to your doctor if anyone in your family has any thyroid problems, either hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).