Thyroid Awareness Month: Hypothyroidism

Did you know that January is thyroid awareness month? Particularly as we age, it’s important to be aware of some of the more mild symptoms of hypothyroidism, which often appear gradually and may be easily dismissed.

Hypothyroidism is an often-hidden health problem in which the thyroid produces less hormone than the body needs. It is among the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed medical conditions in America, despite the fact that an estimated 10 percent of the population has the disease.

Each January, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) work to raise awareness of underactive thyroid. Take some time at the start of 2017 to better acquaint yourself with the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The earliest symptoms of hypothyroidism are frequently mild, appear very gradually and occur in various parts of the body–making it easy to ignore or mistake for other issues. To further complicate matters, each person with hypothyroidism can experience completely different symptoms. One person’s illness may develop quickly, while another person’s symptoms take years to fully emerge.

That said, the most classic symptoms of hypothyroidism can include any of the following:

Perpetual fatigue
Individuals with low thyroid function frequently feel like they have less energy than ever before.

Depression
When body functions slow down, that can include the brain. Routine mental tasks may become more difficult and the affected individual may sleep more than usual.

Weight gain and/or fluid retention
Because an underactive thyroid slows down all body processes, a person will frequently require fewer calories while their body converts fewer calories into energy–which leads to weight gain. Fluid retention, called edema, may occur due to a decreased excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys.

Dry, brittle hair and/or nails
Nails and hair are both quite sensitive to the metabolic slowdown which often occurs with hypothyroidism.

Dry or itchy skin
When a body slows down, it produces less heat and less sweat, leading to dry skin.

Constipation
As the metabolism slows down, muscles in the digestive tract contracts more slowly as well.

Sensitivity to cold
The body will often conserve energy by constricting blood vessels to the skin to minimize heat loss.

Menstrual cycle changes
Since hypothyroidism creates an imbalance of female hormones, it may result in excessive or irregular menstrual bleeding.

Slowed pulse
This is called bradycardia and means the heart beats more slowly than normal.

High cholesterol
Low levels of thyroid hormone can lead to fewer LDL receptors, which pull LDL (bad) cholesterol from the blood.

An increased sensitivity to medication
A slower metabolism changes the way a body processes medications which may result in more potency or side effects.

If you experience any of these health issues, it is a good idea to ask to have your thyroid function checked. And be sure to stop by the pharmacy for any questions you have about your prescriptions, conditions and contraindications. We’re here to help!