Symptoms

Hypothyroidism can affect many parts of your body

When your body slows down, it can be affected from head to toe. If you notice changes in the way you look, feel, or even sound, it is important to see your doctor. A simple blood test can show if your thyroid gland is making the amount of thyroxine needed to help keep your body in balance.

Symptoms to watch for

You may have some, all, or none of these signs and symptoms.

Changes in the way you look or sound

Changes in the way you feel
  • Weight gain or trouble losing weight
  • Dry or pale skin
  • Hair loss, especially from the eyebrows
  • Swollen face, hands, legs, ankles, or feet
  • A hoarse or raspy voice
  • Feeling cold or having cold hands or feet
  • Aches and pains in muscles or joints
  • Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding or periods that are not regular

Changes in your energy level

Other changes your doctor may notice
  • Feeling worn down or very tired (fatigue)
  • Feeling depressed
  • Slow thinking or memory problems
  • Slow speech or movement
  • Enlarged thyroid gland
  • Changes in cholesterol
  • Slow heart rate and/or low blood pressure

You may not have any symptoms

You may be one of the millions of people with hypothyroidism who do not show any signs or symptoms.¹ Treating hypothyroidism (whether you have symptoms or not) replaces the thyroxine to help keep your body in balance.

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Reference
1. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for the evaluation and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Available at: http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypo_hyper.pdf. Accessed February 11, 2006.