The thyroid is a small gland shaped like a butterfly that is located in the neck. The thyroid gland releases a hormone (called thyroid hormone) which helps regulate the body's metabolism by increasing the amount of energy that cells use. Non-working thyroid glands lead to hypothyroidism, in which abnormally low amounts of the hormone are made.
Low Energy
As the Mayo Clinic explains, one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is a lack of energy and sluggishness. This is due to the fact that the thyroid is responsible for stimulating energy use by the entire body. Low levels of thyroid hormone cause all cells to burn less energy, which can make patients feel chronically tired and fatigued.
Weight Gain
The Hormone Foundation explains that patients with a non-working thyroid gland may also experience weight gain. Part of this is related to their typical low levels of activity, but part of this is a result of cells not burning energy as quickly as they normally would.
Skin and Hair Changes
Patients with hypothyroidism often have unusually dry skin and hair, which is cause by low activity of the glands in the skin that produce moisture (sweat) and oil (sebum), which helps lock moisture into the tissues.
Cold Intolerance
Because of their low metabolic activity, hypothyroid patients often are more susceptible to cold. This is because their cells do not burn enough energy to compensate for colder temperatures.
Constipation
Patients with hypothyroidism also often suffer from constipation. This is due to impaired activity of the smooth muscles within the gastrointestinal tract which are responsible for propelling food through the digestive system and expelling fecal waste.
Muscle and Joint Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic notes that another symptom of poor thyroid function involves the muscles and joints. Patients with hypothyroidism often experience muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness as well as weak leg muscles. Patients may also develop swollen and painful joints, particularly in their fingers and feet.
Face and Throat
Another symptom of hypothyroidism is a puffy face combined with a scratchy or hoarse voice.
Goiter
Over time, the body will try to jump-start a non-working thyroid gland by increasing the production of hormones that stimulates the thyroid. This can cause the thyroid to grow in size, leading to a goiter, which is a large lump that forms inside of the throat.
