A guest article by Tom Brimeyer, Functional Medicine Practitioner and Author of Hypothyroidism Healing Program and Hypothyroidism Exercise Program
Low thyroid symptoms are very common and can affect anyone. Hypothyroidism is most well known for its relationship to your metabolism and oftentimes weight gain or the inability to lose weight. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when you begin to look at the multitude of various low thyroid symptoms ranging from digestive to sensory symptoms.
But also keep in mind that different people develop different symptoms. There is no one set pattern of symptoms that all hypothyroid people progress through. It all has to do with how your body responds and compensates.
One person might gain 30 lbs. and be unable to lose it no matter what. And the next person may develop heart palpitations or chronic depression.
If you find yourself suffering from any of these low thyroid symptoms then you have to strongly consider that you very well might be hypothyroid. And I encourage you to take an active role in your health because all too often we place our health in the hands of others who don’t have our best interests in mind.
So, do yourself a favor and educate yourself, or find someone who is willing to educate you on what is really happening with your body and what the underlying cause of your health problems really is. Only then can you make an educated decision as to what is best for your health.
A Quick Note on Hypothyroidism Testing Flaws
And keep in mind that most thyroid test options are flawed and oftentimes lead to a false negative hypothyroidism diagnosis. And so millions of people go untreated or are improperly treated for various other related symptoms that stem from underlying hypothyroidism.
Because of this, I often recommend what is called a therapeutic trial to confirm your own diagnosis. This is where you follow a proper hypothyroidism treatment protocol including the right hypothyroidism diet and monitor your symptoms.
If your hypothyroidism symptoms improve then you can confirm that your speculation was correct.
Below I’ve listed a very comprehensive set of hypothyroid symptoms that are broken down into categories which shows you just how extensive these symptoms can be.
General Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Fatigue or Excessive Tiredness
- Weight Gain or Inability to Lose Weight
- Obesity
- Excessive Weight Loss
- Cold Extremities
- Swollen Neck or Goiter
- Loss of Stamina
- Afternoon Energy Crash
- Low Morning Temperature
- Edema
- Difficulty Breathing
- Dry and/or Gritty Eyes
- Slow Recovery
- Inability to Exercise
- Trembling, Jittery, or Shivering Feeling
- Hoarse Voice
- Cold Sweats
- Lack of Coordination
- Heavy Eyelids
Sleep Related Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Insomnia
- Poor Sleep Quality
- Waking Up Feeling Unrested
- Difficulty Getting Out of Bed in the Morning
- Frequent Nightmares
- Sleep Apnea
- Excessive Snoring
- Night Sweats
Sensory Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Inability to Concentrate
- Slowed Reflexes and Reaction Time
- Sensitivity to Light and/or Sun
- Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
- Sensitivity to Strong Odors
- Sensitivity to Loud Noises
- Blurred Vision
Hair, Skin, and Nail Related Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Puffiness or Swelling of Eyes, Face, Hands, Feet, and/or Ankles
- Hair Loss
- Brittle Hair
- Loss of Eyelashes
- Loss of Eyebrow Hair (outer portion)
- Brittle, Flaky, or Peeling Nails
- Dry, Flaky, or Course Skin
- Pale and/or Yellowish Skin Pigment
- Dark Circles Under Eyes
- Orange Calluses
- Bruise Easily
- Acne
- Rashes and Various Skin Conditions
Digestive Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Loss of Appetite
- Constipation
- Food Allergies and Sensitivities
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Swollen Tongue or Ridges on Tongue
- Dry Mouth
- Alcohol Intolerance
- Hemorrhoids
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Abdominal Distention
- Excessive Gas
- Bad Breath
- Diabetes
- Liver/Gallbladder Issues
- Salt Cravings
- Sweet Cravings
- Hypoglycemia
Heart Related Low Thyroid Symptoms
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Low Blood Pressure
- Slow/Weak Pulse (under 60 bpm)
- Fast Pulse (over 90 bpm at rest)
- Heart Palpitations
- Heart Disease
- Bleeding/Clotting Issues
Immune Related Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Recurring Upper Respiratory Infections
- Fungal and Candida Infections
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Asthma
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Autoimmune Disease
- Cancer
Mental Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Panic attacks
- Poor Memory
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Mental Sluggishness
- ADD/ADHD
- Slowed Speech
- Difficulty Learning New Things
- Poor Concentration
- Phobias
- Loss of Motivation
- Light Headedness
- Vertigo or Dizziness
- Postpartum Depression
- Epilepsy or Seizures
Emotional Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Depression
- Nervousness and Anxiety
- Easily Upset
- Antisocial Behavior
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Confidence
- Bipolar Tendencies
Pain Related Low Thyroid Symptoms
- Migraines
- Pressure Headaches
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Spasms
- Back Pain
- Wrist Pain
- Foot Pain
- Arthritis
- Joint Pain or Stiffness
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendinitis
Women’s Health Related Hypothyroidism Symptoms
- PMS
- Irregular, Longer, Lighter, or Heavier Menstrual Cycles
- Severe Menstrual Cramps
- Infertility
- History of Miscarriage
- Fibroids
- Loss of Libido
Men’s Health Related Hypothyroidism Symptoms
- Loss of Libido
- Erectile Dysfunction
Hopefully all of these low thyroid symptoms have opened your eyes and given you a better understanding of the importance of detecting and properly treating hypothyroidism in order to properly restore and maintain your health. Most people, doctors, and healthcare professionals fail to make this connection and far too often the underlying cause of your health problems is missed or misdiagnosed.
Your thyroid is responsible for so much more than increasing your metabolism and helping you to lose weight. It plays an important role in balancing and producing hormones, reducing cholesterol, reducing inflammation within your body, fighting cancer, reducing your risk of autoimmune disease, keeping your brain energized and mentally alert, and slowing the natural aging process.
So many of the low thyroid symptoms listed above can be both easily avoided or easily eliminated when you learn how to properly restore the function and health of your thyroid. And it always begins with properly educating and empowering yourself to take control of your health.
Learn about the exact steps how to improve your low thyroid symptoms with a diet here
