Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease characterized by decreased thyroid function. It can affect almost all organ systems and can often present with vague symptoms, making diagnosis tricky. It can result from a variety of causes, including previous thyroid surgery, autoimmune destruction and even insufficient iodine intake.
Skin and Appendage Symptoms
Hypothyroidism causes an accumulation of substances known as glycosaminoglycans in the patient's skin. This accumulation can grow over time, which results in the typical thickened features and puffy face, according to a September 2007 article in "Endocrine and Metabolism Clinics" journal. In addition, skin wounds heal slower and the skin is pale and cool in comparison to normal skin. Associated symptoms include dry hair and brittle nails.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
The decrease in thyroid hormone levels found in hypothyroidism results in decreased cardiac function. The heart pumps both with less volume and at a decreased rate. In addition, blood pressure is increased as a result of blood vessel narrowing. This results in a net decrease of blood supply to body tissues, resulting in the typical pallor and coolness of the skin and sensitivity of the patient to cold according to "Williams Textbook of Endocrinology." The body's cholesterol levels can also take a turn for the worse but can be returned to normal with thyroid hormone therapy.
Gastrointestinal System Symptoms
Patients with hypothyroidism have a reduced appetite but, ironically, complain of weight gain. In addition, the peristaltic activity of the alimentary tract is diminished, resulting in typical complaints of constipation according to "Williams Textbook of Endocrinology."
Nervous System Symptoms
In infants, hypothyroidism results in deficient development of the nervous system. This can result in irreversible damage to brain cells with subsequent learning deficits and mental retardation. In adults, all intellectual functions are slowed, and psychiatric symptoms such as depression and paranoia are common according to the "Endocrine and Metabolism Clinics" journal. Body movements are clumsy and slow, and the voice becomes hoarse and the speech slurred (due to metabolite deposition in the throat and tongue). Normal body reflexes, such as the knee jerk reflex, tend to become slowed as well.
Reproductive Symptoms
In women, decreased thyroid levels can result in diminished libido and ovulation. Progesterone levels are also altered, which can lead to excessive and irregular menstrual bleeding. In addition, milky white discharge from the nipples (galactorrhea) can result. Juvenile hypothyroidism can often result in delay in the onset of puberty in addition to sexual immaturity.
Blood System Symptoms
Hypothyroidism affects the number of red blood cells in the blood stream. Since these cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the different cells of the body, typical symptoms such as fatigue and malaise result according to "Williams Textbook of Endocrinology."
References
- "Williams Textbook of Endocrinology, 11th Edition;" Kronenberg; 2008
- "Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics;" Hypothyroidism; Devdhar, M et al. Volume 36, September 2007
