Our thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ at the base of the neck, is responsible for releasing hormones that help to regulate our metabolism. Other vital functions the thyroid influences include Body temperature, Body weight, Breathing, Central and peripheral nervous systems, Cholesterol levels, Heart rate, Menstrual cycles, and Muscle strength.
Thyroid hormone production is regulated via a feedback loop between the thyroid gland, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland – two deeply entrenched, tiny areas of the brain. Here are seven of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue: Our body’s energy production requires a certain number of thyroid hormones. A significant drop off in this production leads to diminished energy levels, producing a strong sense of fatigue and weakness.
- Weight gain: A shortage of thyroid hormones slows the body’s metabolic rate. When this happens, we don’t digest as many foods and fewer calories are converted into energy. For many thyroid patients, a lack of treatment – or insufficient treatment – makes weight loss nearly impossible, even with proper diet and exercise.
- Recurring sickness: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is the most common type of hypothyroidism. As we all know, a suppressed immune system makes it much more difficult to ward off harmful viruses and bacteria; this results in more frequent illness. Most worrisome is that Hashimoto’s causes the immune system to attack otherwise healthy organs and tissues.
- Loss of coordination: Hypothyroidism that goes untreated can damage the peripheral nerves. These nerves relay information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, including our arms and legs. Damage to these nerves may cause numbness, pain, and tingling in the affected area(s).
- Brain fog: Our brain houses a particular type of immune cell called microglia. 10-15% of all brain cells are microglia, which are responsible for stimulating the body’s immune defense within the central nervous system (CNS). Brain fog is directly attributable to brain inflammation – a byproduct of irritated microglia cells. Forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and diminished cognitive ability are all telltale signs of brain fog.
- Anxiety or depression: The brain is susceptible to inflammation. Besides experiencing a general loss of mental acuity (“brain fog”), our neurochemicals, i.e., neurotransmitters, are thrown out of whack. As the human brain is already susceptible to anxiety thanks to the fight-or-flight response, further imbalances increase the risk of anxiety and depression.
- Various “under the surface” symptoms: Sometimes we intuitively know when something is wrong with our body. Relatedly, thyroid troubles are notorious for creating a mess of subtle yet distracting symptoms. Here’s a “short list”: mood swings, excessive sleep, muscle and joint pain (including tendonitis and carpal tunnel), cold hands and feet, brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, swelling of the neck.
- Myxedema: Myxedema, an advanced form of hypothyroidism is rare, but when it occurs, it can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms include low blood pressure, decreased breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness and even coma. In extreme cases, myxedema can be fatal.
References:
https://www.powerofpositivity.com/bad-thyroid-signs/
