Signs of Hypothyroidism in Infants, Teenagers, Elders and Pregnant Women
An underactive thyroid often shows nonspecific or various signs. Moreover, the symptoms of hypothyroidism may mimic the symptoms of many other conditions and this is why diagnosis is difficult to put at a first view.
Many women say that their hypothyroidism symptoms were quite subtle and they simply attributed to aging. This is the case of mild hypothyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism that can pass unnoticed for many years. Symptoms are indeed more notable with age. And as they become more obvious, the condition worsens and the patient starts experiencing a powerful metabolic slowing of their body: both physically and mentally.
Do you have Hypothyroidism?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism develop in time, very slowly. It can be months or even years until the patient requires a medical exam. The first signs of hyperthyroidism are: rapid heartbeat, unusual sweating, swelling of the base of the neck, fatigue and somnolence.
Common signs of underactive thyroid are:
• Hair loss. Hair loss and coarse skin are common signs of hypothyroidism. Hair is extremely vulnerable to thyroid problems. Hair becomes brittle and dry and it falls out very easily. Some women complain of hair falling on the outer edge of the eyebrow.
• Skin problems. In hypothyroidism, skin has a yellowish tent and is rather cold, thick, dry and scaly. There are also cases of cold intolerance. Nails are also brittle in underactive thyroid.
• Fatigue. Many hypothyroidism patient experience weakness, drowsiness, a sleepy appearance, muscle pain, cramps and slow motion. If you’re feeling exhausted all the time, even when you wake up from a long night sleep, know that you may be suffering from underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism patients aren’t able to function 24 hours a day without taking a short nap from time to time. There may also be cases of insomnia in hypothyroidism.
• Weight changes. Hypothyroidism is often characterized by unexplained weight fluctuation. Uunderactive thyroid patienta fail to lose or gain any weight, despite all rigorous diets they follow. Difficulty losing or gaining weight is a major sign of hypothyroidism. These signs are also present in hyperthyroidism.
• Depression. Sudden panic disorders and depression may also be signs of an undiagnosed hypothyroid disorder. Memory loss and difficulty concentrating are other signs to consider in this case. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is defined by unjustified panic attacks and anxiety.
Other hypothyroidism signs:
• Dysphonia – hoarse voice
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Groiter – enlarged thyroid gland
• Swelling of arms, hands legs
• Heavy irregular periods – lasting more than 7 days
• Increased cholesterol levels
• A slowing of the heart rate
Generally, hypothyroidisms symptoms depend on age, time of disease onset and severity of the condition. In most cases, postpartum hypothyroidism can be mistaken for postpartum depression, while at elders, hypothyroidism may me mistaken for dementia or loss of memory – Alzheimer.
Pregnancy. Hypothyroidism symptoms during and after pregnancy include:
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Vertigo
• Depression and stress
• Decreased concentration
• Memory disorders
• Groiter
Newbornes and teens. Signs of hypothyroidism in newborns and teenagers are:
• Low appetite
• Food chocking
• Dry skin with scales
• Weight gain
• Retardation in development
• Pubertal retardation
• Younger expression than normal
• Excessive sleepiness
Undiagnosed and untreated hypothyroidism can lead to cardiomyopathy – an enlarge heart, heart failure or pleural effusion – an accumulation of fluid around the lungs.
