Signs & Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Postmenopausal Women

Hypothyroidism, a condition that affects mostly postmenopausal women, means that the thyroid, a gland located in the neck, doesn't produce enough of the hormones that keep the metabolism in balance. It is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, when the thyroid produces too many hormones. The Mayo Clinic says, with synthetic hormones, most postmenopausal women with hypothyroidism can expect to have a normal life.

Fatigue

• Perhaps the most common symptom of hypothyroidism is a feeling of constant fatigue. This extreme fatigue can lead to feelings of sluggishness, confusion and depression. With this overall slowdown of all the body's processes, people often become constipated.

Weight Gain

• People whose metabolisms have slowed due to hypothyroidism often gain weight for no apparent reason, without overeating or changing their diets. At the same time, their cholesterol levels become higher. People in advanced stages may look a little swollen around the neck or face, where the thyroid gland has enlarged.

Muscle and Joint Symptoms

• Generalized aches and pains are symptoms of hypothyroidism. People sometimes experience an overall sore feeling, or feel tenderness in certain muscles. They may find that some of their joints appear swollen. Muscles may become particularly stiff, so that it's hard to move about, especially after sleep. Sometimes, the muscles and joints seem weak, rather than painful.

Skin Signs

• Skin eventually reflects the lack of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. In some people, the skin becomes pale and dry. Others find enlarged pores where this condition was not present before. In more advanced cases, the skin thickens.