Learning About The Symptoms Of Low Thyroid. Generally women are susceptible to some complications more than the opposite sex. One condition that most women suffer from but may be oblivious to the fact that it warrants medical attention is Hypothyroidism. The reason why the signs of hypothyroidism can sometimes go unnoticed is majorly because women tend to attribute most of its symptoms to either aging or other environmental factors.
It's important for women to be aware of the hormonal changes as hypothyroidism is one of the conditions that are related to the production of a hormone. So what is Hypothyroidism? This is the condition in which the body produces insufficient thyroid hormone.
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Importance of the Thyroid Hormone
The thyroid hormone is mainly in charge of the body’s metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the larynx. The main function of the thyroid gland is to convert iodine into Thyroid hormones.
The thyroid hormones are important to every cell in the body; it regulates their entire metabolism. Blood pressure, heart rate, and weight are all determined by the body’s general metabolism. The function of the thyroid hormones begs the need to familiarize oneself with the symptoms of low thyroid as a woman. (Related: What Causes Thyroid Nodules?)
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Hypothyroidism Signs And Symptoms To Look Out For
Today many women exhibit signs of the hypothyroidism but are not even aware of it. Although there are no specific symptoms that are uniquely associated with hypothyroidism, there are some common signs that should send you to the doctor for a check-up.
- Fatigue and weakness: These are amongst the early signs that can easily be neglected. Feeling extra tired and more willing to sleep and do nothing can be a sign of early stage of the hypothyroidism.
- Constipation: Although this can be a sign for many other underlying conditions, it is one of the signs of hypothyroidism. When one starts to experience this discomfort, it is advisable to ask a medical practitioner to examine your thyroid level to ascertain whether or not the condition may be developing.
- Elevated blood cholesterol level and weight gain: This would be an obvious guess for some because as it is already known, thyroid hormone is responsible for metabolism. Therefore, when there is a low thyroid production, it is most likely that the cholesterol levels would shoot up. With increased level of blood cholesterol, you will experience unexplained weight gain.
Image @ List of Symptoms and diagnoses of Thyroid and other Endocrine Imbalances
In the long run, if symptoms of low thyroid are not treated early enough, then the signs become more severe. Some of the severe signs that are to be expected include; slowed speech, thin eyebrows, thickened skin, myxedema coma, puffiness of the face, hands, and feet, and hoarseness. All these signs occur when the condition has advanced to a serious point. At this level, medical treatment is highly recommended.
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Causes Of The Hypothyroidism
Although there are several causes of this particular condition, the most emphasized point is deficiency of iodine in our diets. This cause is one we can control; by ensuring that we take in such foods as eggs, dairy products, shellfish among others; Foods rich in iodine because our bodies do not produce iodine. It is also essential to visit the doctor for check-ups when we notice even the slightest change in our body. By seeing the doctor, we can avoid neglecting the symptoms of low thyroid and be able to save ourselves from unnecessary stress.
