According to MayoClinic.com, an inactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck, and produces hormones that tell cells how to use energy. When too little of this hormone is produced, a patient experiences certain symptoms. An inactive thyroid can be caused by an immune response to the thyroid gland, a complication of an upper respiratory illness, surgical damage to the gland or complications from different medications. Thus, a patient should schedule an appointment with his doctor if he experiences symptoms of an inactive thyroid gland.
Fatigue
MayoClinic.com states that fatigue is a common symptom associated with an inactive thyroid gland. This occurs because the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone to keep energy levels normal in the cells. Thus, cells do not burn energy at a rate that is necessary for a patient to complete daily functions. In addition, energy levels in brain cells that are related to alertness are low, causing fatigue. In this case, a patient should schedule an appointment with his doctor to discuss causes of fatigue. If the doctor suspects low thyroid hormone levels, he will take blood tests to determine the levels of these hormones. If low, the doctor will likely prescribe levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone.
Constipation
Some patients with an inactive thyroid may experience constipation, according to MedicineNet.com. A patient may be constipated because thyroid hormones also control the rate of digestion in the digestive system. Thus, if thyroid hormone levels are low, digestion will be slowed. A patient may experience stomach pain, bloating and difficulty with bowel movements, depending on the severity of hypothyroidism. In this case, she should see her doctor to determine the cause of constipation. If constipation occurs with other symptoms of an inactive thyroid, levothyroxine may improve constipation.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common symptom experienced in a patient with an inactive thyroid gland, states MayoClinic.com. This occurs because the body is not able to burn glucose, or the molecule of energy that comes from food, efficiently. This results in energy being stored in fat cells, which will cause weight gain over time. A patient may notice difficulty in losing or maintaining his weight, if he has an inactive thyroid. Thus, he should see his doctor to rule out other causes of weight gain. If the doctor determines that an inactive thyroid is causing weight gain, then prescribing levothyroxine will likely help the patient's weight return to normal.
