A hypoactive thyroid is where the thyroid, located at the base of the neck, produces too little of the hormone thyroxine. The Thyroid Foundation of America (TFA) reports how the hormones produced by the thyroid send a signal to every cell in the body dictating the rate at which they should function. According to TFA, hypoactive thyroid (also called hypothyroidism) affects 10 million people in the United States, although up to 80 percent remain undiagnosed. Though ultimately confirmed by a blood test, there are multiple symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Early Stage Symptoms
MedlinePlus, an online encyclopedia service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, describes that one early stage symptom of hypothyroidism is feelings associated with depression. These symptoms include fatigue and/or sluggishness. Other symptoms are sensitivity to the cold, heavier menstrual periods in women, joint and/or muscle pain, pale dry skin, thin and brittle hair or fingernails, muscle weakness or weight gain. The TFA indicates that the weight loss associated with a hypoactive thyroid is usually only three or four pounds, and is due to fluid retention. TFA also confirms these other early stage symptoms, and also lists hair loss, constipation and leg cramps among these symptoms.
Late-Stage Symptoms
MedlinePlus reports that some symptoms indicate that hypothyroidism has become severe and/or existed for a considerable length of time. These late-stage symptoms include a diminished sense of smell and or taste, a hoarse voice, puffiness in the face, feet and/or hands, speech that is considerably slower than normal, thinning of the eyebrows or thickening of the skin. According to Merck Manuals, some of the symptoms of late-stage hypoactive thyroid may be mistaken for dementia: the person may seem confused, forgetful or otherwise demented.
Test Results from a Doctor
A doctor may be able to uncover other symptoms of a hypoactive thyroid. MedlinePlus reports that an x-ray may reveal an enlarged heart. Lab tests may reveal anemia (low red blood cell levels), and decreased levels of thyroxine and sodium. Other test results may indicate an increase in cholesterol, liver enzymes and/or prolactin.
