Hypothyroid Symptoms

Posted on: October 13, 2005 | Posted in: Medical Information, My Story

Before the doctor prescribed my thyroid medication, she’d already seen blood test results showing “really low” numbers for my thyroid… so she asked about a bunch of symptoms. Because I thought we were looking at a recent problem, I answered “nothing new” or “nothing unusual” to a lot of her questions. Don’t make that mistake yourself! When I started researching hypothyroid symptoms online after the appointment, I realized I’d had many common symptoms for years… some for as long as I can remember. Which makes me wonder if it would’ve ever become so acute, if I’d started treatment sooner?

Look over this list of common hypothyroid symptoms. If you find yourself recognizing a lot of them (either long term, or recent-onset), you may want to request a thyroid test from your doctor!

General Symptoms

  • Gaining weight for no obvious reason (with normal diet and exercise)
  • Can’t lose weight even if you diet and/or exercise more
  • Constipation (frequent/severe)
  • Low body temperature (often below 98�), sensitive to cold
  • Cold hands and feet (poor circulation)
  • Fatigue/exhaustion (even with ‘enough’ sleep)
  • Feeling “sluggish” or lethargic
  • Slow hair growth/coarse, dry or tangled hair/hair breakage
  • Dry or scaly skin
  • Sore throat/hoarse or gravelly voice
  • ‘Puffy’ face/eyes or general edema and/or inflammation
  • Aches and pains in joints, hands and feet
  • New (or increasing) carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Irregular menstrual cycles (longer, or heavier, or more frequent)
  • Impaired conception or history of miscarriage
  • Depression/feeling ‘worthless’ or sad
  • Restlessness/difficulty concentrating
  • Moody/frequent mood swings
  • Losing interest in regular activities
  • Forgetfulness/feeling ’spacey’

‘Extra’ Symptoms (more frequent in hypothyroid patients)

  • Lower than normal sex drive
  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
  • Recurring or stubborn infections/illnesses
  • Snoring or sleep apnea
  • Shortness of breath/tight feeling in chest
  • Yawning when you’re not tired
  • Dry, uncomfortable and/or sensitive eyes
  • Eye tics and/or headaches
  • Tightness or swollen feeling in neck/throat
  • Tinnitus (ringing ears)
  • Frequent sinus infections
  • Vertigo and/or lightheadedness
  • Severe menstrual cramps

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The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck, just below your adam's apple. Thyroid hormones control the body's metabolism. When it doesn't produce enough hormones, you have hypothyroidism.

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