Hypothyroidism: Common Symptoms and Leading Causes

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not release enough hormones, called thyroxine. This can affect how your body uses energy and causes health issues like weight gain, fatigue, high cholesterol levels, and depression.

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism can caused by a condition that directly affects your thyroid and reduces the level of thyroid hormones. Or it could be due to secondary causes that lead to a failure of the pituitary gland, where the gland can’t send TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) toward the thyroid and causes hormone imbalance.

One of the most common primary causes is Hashimoto’s disease. This is a hereditary disease in which the body’s immune system damages the thyroid. As a result, the thyroid can’t make enough thyroid hormones required by the body.

There are other primary causes of hypothyroidism, including thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), curing hyperthyroidism (removal or radiation of thyroid), iodine deficiency, and other hereditary conditions.

What Are the Symptoms?

Hypothyroidism typically causes a long list of symptoms related to fatigue and weight gain. Unfortunately, this can lead people astray, especially if they attribute these symptoms to other illnesses or more pressing medical conditions. As a result, they must talk with their doctors for a definitive diagnosis before starting any treatment plans.

Most people who have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism display several common symptoms, including:

Weight Gain

Weight gain or trouble losing weight despite trying to follow a healthy diet and exercising regularly. It's not uncommon for people to gain 15 pounds or more after developing hypothyroidism.

Cold intolerance

This is because your body can't regulate its core temperature as well as it should, which is why you feel colder than everyone else, even though you may be bundled up in warm clothing.

This is especially true when it comes to your feet or fingers. When exposed to cold for even moderate periods, hypothyroid patients nearly always experience some level of pain in their extremities.

Muscle aches and stiffness

Especially when they’re resting, patients with hypothyroidism tend to feel the most soreness in their muscles when they've been sitting still (or lying down) for long periods without getting up to stretch or move around.

Mental fogginess

This includes lack of energy, especially when it comes to getting physically active. Again, hypothyroidism patients tend to feel the most tired in the evenings or even late at night when their hormones are naturally at their lowest levels. This is one of the reasons why you might find yourself skipping exercise during these times, even though you know it's important for overall health and well-being.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you must contact your physician immediately. At TelMDCare, we offer virtual doctor & healthcare services. Our professional online doctors can diagnose and treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism. We also provide chronic care for high cholesterol, diabetes type 2, migraines, and more.

Book your virtual healthcare appointment today or call us to learn more about our online video doctor consultation!