The Signs & Symptoms of a Suppressed Thyroid

The thyroid gland is in your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The gland is responsible for producing hormones that affect your metabolism. When the gland is not producing enough hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism. The symptoms of this condition occur over a number of years. Doctors must take blood tests to give an official diagnosis of hypothyroidism when the symptoms are present.

Joint Pain

• Other conditions cause joint pain as well. When joint pain is present along with other hypothyroidism symptoms, blood tests determine whether the pain is the result of the condition. Joint pain may occur in any of the joints in the body.

Weight Gain

• An increase in weight that you cannot explain is a symptom of an underactive thyroid gland. The weight gain must not be caused by a medication or overeating. When there is no change in diet or medication and weight increases, it may be a sign that the metabolism is not functioning properly. The metabolism is the rate that the body burns calories.

Weakness in the Muscles

• The symptoms of hypothyroidism are often mistaken for signs of aging, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms such as weakness in the muscles on its own may not be a sign of thyroid that is not producing enough hormones, but when doctors consider it in conjunction with others, hypothyroidism may be the cause.

Fatigue

• Sluggishness and fatigue are common symptoms of hypothyroidism or a thyroid that is suppressed and not producing hormones.

Brittle Nails

• Brittle nails on the hands and feet along with dry skin are symptoms that there is a hormonal problem associated with an underactive thyroid. The hair may become brittle as well.

Constipation

• Constipation is the inability to have a bowel movement. Other illnesses cause constipation as well. Unexplained constipation may be the result of hypothyroidism.

Puffy Face

• The face may swell and become puffy with thyroid disorders.

Depression

• Irritability and depression may be the result of hypothyroidism. These symptoms may be related to fatigue and sluggishness caused by the condition as well.