“Hypothyroidism symptoms vary from person-to-person,” says Antonio Bianco, MD, PhD, an endocrinologist at the BiancoLab at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. To know what hypothyroidism truly looks and feels like, we need to look at the common – and not-so-common – signs of hypothyroidism.
When the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of the thyroid hormone, all of your body’s processes slow down, according to the American Thyroid Association. One of the major symptoms is low energy.
“People might complain that it’s very hard to get up in the morning,” Dr. Bianco says. They might fall asleep quickly once they sit down during the day.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Low energy,
- Puffy face,
- Hoarseness,
- Greater sensitivity to cold,
- Weight gain – metabolism can slow to nearly half
Those are the more common signs of problems with the thyroid. There are several, lesser-known symptoms to hypothyroidism such as:
Depression
Hypothyroidism causes the brain’s processes to slow, making it difficult to focus and leading to clinical depression. “It’s underestimated how much hypothyroidism can cause depression,” Bianco says.
Memory Problems
According to a study published in the JAMA Neurology journal in 2014, hypothyroidism won’t lead to permanent cognitive problems, but it does lead to trouble with memory. All of the brain and body’s processes are slowed, which affects the whole body.
The digestive system is slowed down, leading to chronic, or on-again off-again, constipation.
Dry Skin
The thyroid plays a key role in healthy skin. Bianco says that most people with hypothyroidism have symptomatic dry skin.
Other lesser-known symptoms of hypothyroidism:
• Hair loss,
• Changes in the menstrual cycle,
• Infertility,
• High cholesterol,
• Thinning eyebrows,
• Slow speech,
• Trouble with taste and smell
Treating Hypothyroidism
If you think you have an underactive thyroid or are showing symptoms of hypothyroidism, the first step is to tell your doctor. Physicians have tests to discover whether your thyroid is working properly. A healthy diet is important to keep your systems running smoothly, and these foods definitely promote a healthy thyroid.
Fish
Fatty fish like wild salmon, trout, tuna, or sardines are a good source of selenium, a mineral most concentrated mineral in the thyroid. Selenium, and the omega-3 fatty acids, are known to decrease inflammation associated with hypothyroidism
Nuts
Another good source of selenium, nuts are easy to eat and good for thyroid function. Nuts like Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are especially high in selenium, and easy to get your daily recommended dose.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Low-calorie, high-density foods like fresh produce will help lose the weight you gain due to an underactive thyroid gland. Another worry of hypothyroidism is heart disease – cherries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers have a ton of antioxidants which help lower the risk of heart disease.
Those suffering from hypothyroidism should be careful to limit cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cabbage to 5 ounces a day. These vegetables can block the thyroid from absorbing iodine, an essential aspect of normal thyroid function.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a great source of iodine, as well as fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Don’t just increase iodine levels in supplement form though – this could lead to more severe thyroid problems.
Beans
Versatile and easy, beans are a great source of energy and contain protein, antioxidants, complex carbs, and a ton of vitamins and minerals. Also full of fiber to help with constipation, a common symptom of hypothyroidism, guidelines recommend you get 20-35 grams of fiber every day.
SOURCE: http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-living-with-hypothyroidism/surprising-symptoms/
