Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces too few hormones. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC), hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder. Though the disorder can affect people of all ages, it is most common in women over age 50. For best results, seek your doctor's guidance at the on-set of symptoms.
Facial, Hair and Skin Changes
Hypothyroidism symptoms can appear throughout a woman's body, including her face. According to UCMC, puffy or swollen face, dull facial expressions, thinning eyebrows and droopy eyelids are common symptoms of the condition. Your skin and hair may become dry, hardened or brittle and the skin on the palms of your hands may take on an orange hue. These symptoms are generally subtle and develop over time.
Tiredness and Fatigue
Since hypothyroidism affects the way your body metabolizes food and energy, tiredness and fatigue commonly occur. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms tend to worsen gradually, as your thyroid levels drop. You may feel sluggish, as though you'd prefer to stay in bed all day or feel unable to partake in physical activities you normally enjoy. Disrupted sleep, due to pain or other symptoms of the disorder, may exacerbate these symptoms.
Weight Gain
As your thyroid levels drop, your metabolism continues to reduce. The American Thyroid Association suggests that metabolism changes due to hypothyroid generally lead to modest weight gain, typically in sum of 5 to 10 pounds. However, if you experience severe lethargy or tiredness, your activity level may reduce and lead to further weight gain. Similarly, emotional lows associated with hypothyroidism leads some women to partake in emotional eating--eating to cope with emotions or stressful situations, rather than in response to food.
Physical Pain and Weakness
Women with hypothyroidism may experience sore or weak muscles, bodily tenderness and stiffness. You may feel pain, inflammation or stiffness in your joints, which can be mistaken for arthritis. Hypothyroid is quite different from arthritis, however, which solely affects the joints and ligaments. If you experience pain, stiffness, sore muscles or muscular weakness in addition to other hypothyroid symptoms, seek guidance and testing from your doctor.
Depression
Depression is a condition characterized by lengthy periods of negative feelings, such as sadness, hopelessness, loneliness and lack of purpose. Women with hypothyroidism may experience depression in response to various bothersome symptoms or as a symptom in and of itself. Once hypothyroidism is treated, generally through synthetic thyroid treatments, physical and emotional aspects of the disorder tend to alleviate.
