The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service notes that nearly 5 percent of the U.S. population struggles with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which produces, stores and releases essential hormones into the body to regulate various metabolic functions. Hypothyroidism symptoms are manageable with synthetic hormone treatment and dietary changes.
Selenium and Thyroid Function
Factors contributing to low thyroid hormone production are associated with mineral deficiencies such as iodine and selenium, notes MayoClinic.com. Selenium is found in trace amounts in the body and is maintained through eating meats, seafood and nuts. Selenium works in conjunction with other minerals such as iodine and vitamin E to produce and convert thyroid hormones into functional sources of metabolic energy, as well as eliminate the body of free radicals that harm immune system functions. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that refined and processed foods cause existing selenium to be destroyed, which hinders obtaining the mineral from food sources. Selenium is available as a supplement, however, physician consultation is necessary in the event of hypothyroidism to prevent risk of medical complications from overdose of selenium.
Fatigue
According to MayoClinic.com, hypothyroidism symptoms vary and the initial onset of symptoms are often slightly noticed. Fatigue and a general sense of sluggishness are the first noticeable signs of the condition. Fatigue is a sense of weariness or excessive tiredness despite getting adequate amounts of sleep. The muscles in the body can feel weaker than normal and an overall sense of low energy characterizes fatigue. There is no specific amount of time fatigue lasts as a result of low thyroid; however, when untreated, the feeling can persist.
Temperature Sensitivity
Temperature sensitivity in the form of cold intolerance commonly occurs in hypothyroidism, notes the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service. Cold intolerance is experienced as an unusual discomfort when in cooler environments that is not necessarily experienced by others in the same environment. In rare cases, heat intolerance may occur; however, this is more often associated with overproductive thyroid. Excessively dry skin, facial puffiness and joint pain are also symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Goiter and Cognitive Changes
Untreated hypothyroidism causes more severe symptoms to appear because the thyroid gland is forced to overwork to compensate for lacking hormones. The constant stimulation of the thyroid to release hormones leads to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter. A goiter is visibly noticeable around the neck area and appears as a protrusion. MayoClinic.com further explains that cognitive changes--such as becoming forgetful, slowed thought processes and increased depression--accompany untreated hypothyroidism.
