If a patient's body produces unusually low levels of thyroid hormones, a doctor may diagnose her with a condition called hypothyroidism. Women over the age of 60 are at the highest risk of developing an underactive thyroid. Patients who develop acute hypothyroidism symptoms should seek further evaluation and care from a health care professional.
Memory Loss or Depression
Patients with acute hypothyroidism can develop cognitive or personality changes as symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels in the body. These changes may cause patients to experience unusual memory loss or depression, which can affect their relationships with friends, coworkers and family members. Sudden or dramatic mood or personality changes should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.
Dry Skin, Hair or Nails
Low levels of thyroid hormone can lead to dry skin, hair or nail symptoms in affected patients. Patients with dry skin may notice that their skin appears red and irritated or begins to itch. Dry skin may also appear abnormally scaly or thick, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for health care professionals. Hair or nails that are unusually dry or brittle can break more easily, which can lead to hair loss or nail infections in affected patients.
Weight Gain
Inadequate levels of thyroid hormones in the body can lead to a significant decrease in a patient's metabolism. As a result, patients with acute hypothyroidism can experience unintended weight gain as a symptom of this condition. Patients can gain weight even if they maintain healthy eating and exercise habits.
Joint or Muscle Pain
Frequent joint pain or muscle cramps may be symptoms of hypothyroidism in certain patients, explains FamilyDoctor.org, a medical information website supported by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sensations of pain or stiffness can make it difficult for affected patients to move about normally. These symptoms may also contribute to increased fatigue in patients.
Libido or Menstrual Changes
Both men and women with low levels of thyroid hormone can experience a decreased sexual libido as a symptom of this condition. As a result, these patients may be less interested or uninterested in sexual activities or may have difficulty becoming aroused during sexual stimulation. Women with acute hypothyroidism can develop unusually heavy or long menstrual periods, a symptom also referred to as menorrhagia, explains Patient UK, a comprehensive health information website provided by general practitioners in the United Kingdom. Patients who experience any of these acute hypothyroidism symptoms should seek further care from a physician.
Constipation
Difficult bowel movements or constipation can develop as a symptom of hypothyroidism in certain patients. Constipation can occur in conjunction with abdominal cramping or bloating and may lead to a decreased appetite in affected patients.
Fatigue and Cold Intolerance
Patients with an underactive thyroid can become unusually fatigued as a result of this condition. Excessive fatigue can make it difficult for affected patients to remain active and alert while at work or school. Additionally, patients with this condition can develop an unusual intolerance to cold, which may cause them to feel cold even in warm climates, explains the American Thyroid Association. Affected patients should discuss the emergence of these symptoms with a medical professional.
