Causes and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

January is thyroid awareness month and we will love to look at some ailments which affect the thyroid starting with causes and symptoms of Hypothyroidism 

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck which makes hormones that control the way the body uses energy. 

These hormones control many of the body’s most important functions. For instance, they affect the way you breathe, your heart rate, digestion, weight, and moods. Without enough thyroid hormones, many of the body’s functions will gradually slow down and become non-functional. 

Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain crucial hormones.

Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages but over time, if left untreated hypothyroidism can create a number of health problems, such as joint pain, obesity, infertility and heart disease.

Let’s look at some causes and symptoms of Hypothyroidism: 

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Hashimoto’s disease
• thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid
• congenital hypothyroidism, or hypothyroidism that is present at birth
• surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid
• radiation treatment of the thyroid
• some medicines

Less often, hypothyroidism is caused by Congenital disease, Pituitary disorder, Pregnancy, and Iodine deficiency.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism has lots of symptoms and these symptoms can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
• Constipation
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin
• Joint and Muscle pain
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
• Thinning hair
• Puffy face
• Slowed heart rate
• Impaired memory
• Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
• Depression

It is possible not to notice these symptoms  for months or even years because hypothyroidism develops slowly and many of these symptoms, especially fatigue and weight gain are common and may not necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem

Kindly contact a medical professional if you notice any symptoms of Hypothyroidism.