13 main symptoms of hypothyroidism (and what to do)

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism include tiredness, dry skin, constipation, hair loss, nail deformities, body pain, weight gain, fertility problems and decreased libido.

Hypothyroidism is caused by low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood, which are especially important for regulating the body’s metabolism. Understand better what hypothyroidism is.

If hypothyroidism is suspected, it is recommended to consult an endocrinologist. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement and, when done according to your doctor’s advice, can control symptoms.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

1. Fatigue

Due to the difficulty in maintaining adequate muscle function, hypothyroidism can cause tiredness, leading the person to avoid physical activities and more intense efforts.

2. Dry skin

Thyroid hormones also participate in controlling body temperature and, therefore, hypothyroidism can affect the body’s production of sweat, causing dry skin. Learn how to care for dry skin.

3. Constipation

Constipation caused by hypothyroidism arises due to the lack of stimulation of thyroid hormones in the digestive system, which causes gastrointestinal movements to slow down. Check out tips to cure constipation.

4. Weight gain

Hypothyroidism can reduce the body’s energy expenditure and this can make a person gain weight more easily, especially when they have a sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet.

5. Sensitivity to cold

When levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are low, they can make a person more sensitive to cold, because these hormones normally act to stimulate the body’s production of energy and heat.

6. Hair loss

Hypothyroidism can cause changes in hair growth, causing them to become more brittle and leading to hair loss. Discover some home remedies for hair loss.

7. Nail changes

A deficiency in thyroid hormones can also affect nail growth, causing them to grow more slowly and become thin, deformed and/or brittle, for example.

8. Decreased libido

Hypothyroidism can affect the production of hormones related to libido, such as testosterone, causing decreased sexual interest.

Furthermore, it can also cause a decrease in vaginal lubrication in women, resulting in uncomfortable and unsatisfactory sexual relations, and erectile dysfunction in men, for example, which can further reduce libido.

9. Slow reasoning

Thyroid hormones also stimulate brain function and, in the case of hypothyroidism, their lack in the body can slow down thinking.

10. Body pain

Hypothyroidism can cause pain in the body due to changes in muscle fibers such as decreased contractility, difficulty in recovery and reduced ability to use energy.

11. Slow heartbeat

Low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood caused by hypothyroidism cause the heartbeat to become slower due to the lack of stimulus to the heart. Learn how to measure your heartbeat.

12. Depression

Although the exact cause is not known, hypothyroidism can cause depression in some people, causing symptoms such as sadness, apathy and easy crying.

13. Fertility problems

A lack of thyroid hormones can cause dysregulation of the menstrual cycle in women and lower sperm production in men, for example, leading to fertility problems.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made by an endocrinologist or general practitioner based on the symptoms and results of tests used to assess thyroid function, such as the measurement of free T4 and TSH in the blood. Learn about other tests used to evaluate the thyroid.

In case of hypothyroidism, while free T4 levels are low in the blood, TSH levels are normally high.

What to do

To alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it is recommended to take hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine according to your doctor’s instructions. When treatment is carried out correctly, symptoms tend to disappear within a few weeks or months. Check out other remedies for thyroid disease.