Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Also known as Underactive Thyroid, Myxoedema and Hashimoto’s Disease

• General tiredness
• Excessive need of sleep
• Increased awareness of the cold
• The skin may become dry and thick and feels cold
• The hair may begin to thin out become dry and coarse
• Unusual loss of body hair – eyebrows may become sparse, and hair on forearms short and stubbly
• Flaking, splitting nails
• The voice may become hoarse or croaky
• Constipation
• Muscle weakness, cramps and aches; difficulty climbing stairs
• Sore muscles
• Pins and needles in the fingers and hands
• In women of reproductive years the periods may become heavier and longer, but sometimes can prematurely stop
• Fertility problems – failure to conceive, miscarriage.
• Unexplained weight gain
• Puffy face and bags under the eyes, change in facial appearance
• Slow speech, movements and thoughts
• Low mood, depression
• Memory problems and lack of concentration
• Slow heart beat and slightly raised blood pressure
• Increased cholesterol
• Anaemia
• Hearing problems
• Swelling at the front of the neck
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• Although rare, in severe cases, unsteadiness on their feet, mental disturbance and even hallucinations may be experienced
• Loss of libido / impotency