Each person’s experience with hypothyroidism is unique. Despite nearly 1 out of 8 women having this condition, the symptoms can differ significantly and often mimic other health problems.
Because of this, diagnosis is usually based on blood tests. Since you’re here, you probably have received such a diagnosis or suspect one.
Because the condition progresses very slowly over many years, you may not notice any symptoms for a while.
What Are The Common Symptoms?
The most common complaint associated with hypothyroidism is unexplained weight gain. Other common symptoms are:
Forgetfulness - recent clinical studies provide preliminary evidence that hypothyroidism in adults causes a significant reduction in the volume of the right hippocampus. This could explain some of the memory deficits that some experience.
Depression - because Hypothyroidism and depression share so many signs, doctors and patients sometimes overlook the possibility that someone who is depressed may also have low thyroid levels. Studies show that if you have both hypothyroidism and depression, thyroid-replacement medications may work better than antidepressants.
Constipation - the hormones a healthy thyroid produces help manage your bodily processes. When these levels are low, these systems might slow down, leading to constipation. As uncomfortable as this symptom is, you don’t have to just suffer with it. Treating your hypothyroidism can help these necessary bodily functions normalize.
Fatigue - this nagging symptom is also the result of our metabolism slowing down because of low thyroid hormone levels. Medication to get your thyroid hormones back on track is the best move to get your energy levels back up. For some, this feeling persists despite medication. Some things that can help are eating snacks like lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Avoiding or reducing caffeine may seem counterintuitive, but it can help with your sleep and make you feel less tired. Reducing alcohol intake can also improve your sleep quality.
Menstrual cycles that are heavier than usual or irregular - it may be that over 20% of women with hypothyroidism have some type of irregular periods, either heavy periods or infrequent ones.
Weight gain - the causes of weight gain in a hypothyroid person are complex and not always related to excess fat accumulation. Extra weight can also result from an excess of salt and water. Once thyroid hormones return to normal levels, the ability to gain or lose weight is the same as in individuals without thyroid problems.
Some more surprising thyroid symptoms include:
Skin changes include dry, pale skin or palms and soles that appear yellowish-orange. In fact, your dermatologist may be the first to suggest that you need to investigate your thyroid levels.
Weak nails
Hair loss or dry, brittle hair
High blood pressure - this severe complication can result from too much or little thyroid function. If caught early, treatment can prevent complications. Treating thyroid issues as soon as possible is essential to minimize heart problems.
We are learning more and more about this powerful gland. Thyroid hormones interact with nearly every organ in your body, including your heart, lungs, skeletal muscles, gut, sex organs, and metabolism.
What is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks the butterfly-shaped gland, your thyroid, which sits at the base of your neck. Immune system cells lead to the death of the thyroid’s hormone-producing cells. It usually results in a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism).
There is another autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease.
In patients with this condition, the antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland to make more thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Is it Possible to be Symptom Free And Still Have Hashimoto's Antibodies?
In short, Yes.
Hashimoto’s requires a lifelong commitment to treatment. Either through diet or medication. If you take your medication regularly or stick to the eating and exercise regime you receive from Team Arod, your symptoms may disappear. Your Hashimoto’s may even go into remission as mine did. That being said, a blood test may still contain (TPO) thyroid peroxidase antibodies.
Are You Actually Symptom-Free?
As stated earlier, people with Hashimoto’s disease typically don’t have any symptoms at first. So it may be if you aren’t experiencing many common symptoms, it’s still early in the progression.
However, it would be dangerous to think your condition isn’t serious because of a seeming lack of symptoms. Left untreated, serious health problems can develop, including
High cholesterol
Heart disease and heart failure
High blood pressure
Hormone driven cancers
If you suspect you may have issues with your thyroid function, it is very important that you see your doctor for further testing. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.
Testing involves a healthcare professional taking a blood sample. No special preparation is necessary for a thyroid antibodies blood test.
Get the Thyroid Support You Need
TeamArodFitness works with you to find lifestyle habits you can implement without feeling overwhelmed. We also offer lab analysis and will read functional lab ranges vs. clinical lab ranges to ensure you receive the best advice moving forward.
Perhaps you aren’t experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life, but hypothyroidism is a serious condition that requires a lifelong commitment to managing. We are ready to help you in your fitness journey as you manage your Hashimoto’s/hypothyroidism. Reach out to TeamArodFitness here for more information.
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