Hypothyroidism often goes unnoticed because people have symptoms that go unrecognized, usually because these symptoms can mimic other diseases.
For this reason it is important that you recognize the symptoms of this disease.
If you have symptoms of an underfunctioning thyroid you should make note of them and mention them to your healthcare provider.
You can use this symptom checklist to make a note of any symptoms you may have that are common with hypothyroidism.
Make a note of any ongoing symptoms and how long you have had them.
Take this checklist with you to your next healthcare provider appointment, or, if you have not scheduled an appointment, be sure to do so.
Your doctor may schedule a blood test to rule out a thyroid disease or confirm a diagnosis if they feel your symptoms do suggest you have hypothyroidism.
Please note that even if you do have many of the signs and symptoms of an underfunctioning thyroid, your doctor may want to test you for other diseases as well to rule them out before they confirm your diagnosis.
Just because you do have symptoms of the disease does not mean you have hypothyroidism.
Only your healthcare provider can confirm or diagnose this condition.
Hypothyroidism Symptom Checklist Below is a checklist of many of the most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Feeling excessively tired or sleepy despite getting adequate rest.
- Having difficulty sleeping or suffering from insomnia.
- Feeling cold or catching cold easily; cold hands and cold feet.
- Dry, pale, leathery skin.
- Developing thinning hair and dry or brittle nails that may crack easily.
- Having sore muscles and feeling like you must move very slowly.
- Developing weak muscles or easily fatigued muscles.
- Developing a voice that becomes hoarse or croaky.
- Any changes in your facial expressions, facial puffiness.
- Increasing depression that is not easily treated.
- Problems with concentration or memory retention.
- Weight gain that is not easily resolved.
- Problems with constipation.
- Problems with miscarriage, changes in menstrual cycle, fertility problems.
- Heavy and irregular periods, cramping.
- A slow heart rate, heart rate abnormalities.
- Swelling of the thyroid gland, a condition known as goiter.
- Feeling like there is a lump in the throat.
- A very rare condition known as a myxoedema coma.
- Water or fluid retention.
- Achy joints or arthritis.
Any of these conditions may be indicative of thyroid disease.
Typically someone with hypothyroidism will develop several of these signs or symptoms.
In the early stages these symptoms may be mild, but will increase with time and the severity of the disease.
The earlier you seek proper care and treatment, the more successful treatment is likely to be.
In very severe cases, the disease can lead to death; it is not a condition that should be treated lightly.
Myxoedema coma is a very serious condition that can be fatal if not recognized early on.
A patient in this state can develop hypothermia.
Typically it only results from long-standing untreated hypothyroidism in older patients.
However, there are instances where hypothyroidism exists for long periods of time without treatment.
If you are not feeling at your best, you should always seek the care of a competent healthcare provider.
Do not resist treatment, even if you are not insured or underinsured.
There are many natural treatments your healthcare provider can recommend to help restore balance to your thyroid gland.
Remember, you only live one life, so it is important you take care of it! Depending on where you live, your health care provider may be able to support you with looking into financial assistance to help you find the care and support you need to help you maintain optimal health in regard to maintaining your thyroid gland.
Often there are many community resources available to patients from all different types of backgrounds.
Typically treating the condition is a matter of education and attention, rather than complex medical routines.
A simple blood test is often all that is necessary to confirm this condition.
Don't let hypothyroidism get in the way of you living a full and rewarding life...
your health and wellness depends on early recognition.