The thyroid gland plays an important role in regulating the rate at which the body uses energy. It achieves this by producing three hormones, calcitonin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones influence all of the body’s organ systems, thus, thyroid disorders can produce a wide array of symptoms.
An underactive thyroid gland will lag in production of thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common hypothyroid disease in the United States, according to Lab Tests Online.
Fatigue
When thyroid hormone levels decline, so does the body’s rate of metabolism. The Hormone Foundation describes the overall effect of hypothyroidism as a slowing down of the body’s organ systems.
People with an underactive thyroid gland may complain of fatigue and find themselves tiring more quickly than usual. They can experience sluggishness and lack of motivation. Even their thought processes can become slowed, with depression, forgetfulness and lack of focus as a result.
Weight Gain
The slowing down of metabolism that occurs in cases of hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, even though the person is not eating more or exercising less than usual. This is because the decrease in thyroid hormone causes the body to use energy more slowly. MayoClinic.com states that the synthetic thyroid hormones used to treat hypothyroidism can help to reverse weight gain caused by the condition.
Goiter
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of the neck. When the levels of thyroid hormone decline, the body attempts to coax the thyroid into increasing its output. This overstimulation of the thyroid gland can cause it to enlarge, creating a noticeable swelling at the front of the throat, a condition known as goiter. Goiters are not life threatening, but the alteration of the patient’s appearance can be damaging to their self-esteem, and the condition can sometimes affect the ability to swallow or breathe normally, according to MayoClinic.com.
Hair and Skin Changes
The decrease in thyroid hormones caused by an underactive thyroid gland can alter a person’s appearance in undesirable ways. Besides the distorted appearance of the throat due to a goiter, those with an underactive thyroid gland may find their skin becoming pale, puffy and dry. Hair dryness and hair loss are other appearance-related symptoms often faced by those with hypothyroidism, according to Lab Tests Online.
