How to Identify the Signs of Hypothyroidism

Have you been feeling tired and slow? This could be the result of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce an adequate amount of the hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Mirrors
• Pulse/heart Monitors
• Scales

1. Be on the lookout for common symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as a low heart rate (under 70 beats per minute) and elevated blood pressure.
2. Notice if you feel especially slow and tired, even after getting a good night's sleep.
3. Be aware if you are always cold, even when others around you are comfortable.
4. Weigh yourself to determine if you are gaining weight even though your eating habits haven't changed.
5. Look in the mirror to see if your face seems puffy and the skin under your eyes looks swollen.
6. Understand that a poor memory and difficulty concentrating can be signs that your thyroid is too slow.
7. Realize that constipation, along with heavy menstrual cycles for women, often accompanies hypothyroidism.
8. Notice if you experience muscle cramps, particularly in your calves, even though you haven't performed extensive exercise.
9. Check your thyroid, which is located in the front of your neck, to see if it seems swollen.
10. Let your doctor know if you have recently undergone treatment for Graves' disease, had your thyroid removed because of thyroid cancer, been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an inflammation of the gland), or given birth to a baby born without a thyroid. These factors are often linked to hypothyroidism.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to perform a thyroid function test if you have any of these symptoms.
• Because the signs of hypothyroidism are similar to those of so many other conditions, they are often overlooked.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.