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Step 1
According to The Merck Manual of Medical Information, the following may be symptoms of hypothyroidism. Read this list and note any symptoms that apply.
Slow pulse
Hoarse voice
Slowed speech
Puffy face
Loss of eyebrows
Drooping eyelids
Intolerance to cold
Constipation
Weight gain
Sparse, coarse, dry hair
Dry, scaly, thick coarse skin; raised thickened skin over shins
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Confusion
Depression
Dementia -
Step 2
Other symptoms of Hypothyroidism you should take note of may include:
Inability to loose weight with diet/exercise
Low body temperature
Fatigue -chronic fatigue
Aches in joints, hands and feet
Trouble conceiving a baby
Moodiness, unstable moods
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling sad
Forgetfulness
Loss of interest in activities
Strange feelings in neck and throat
Ringing in the ears
Hotheadedness
Low libido -
Step 3
You do not have to be suffering from all these symptoms to be hypothyroid. The symptoms are slow and gradual, you may only have a few mild symptoms that are un-alarming. Being cold all the time, yawning a lot to get air, suffering from severe menstrual cramps, or just an overall tired feeling can indicate a thyroid disorder. If you feel you have any of the symptoms mentioned, write them down.
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Step 4
If you feel you may have a thyroid disorder, seek confirmation through a blood test that measures TSH, taken at your doctors office. Make a list of the above symptoms that you have and bring it with you. If your test results indicate you are hypothyroid, your Dr. will write a prescription for one of several oral preparations that replace the deficient thyroid hormone.
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Step 5
THE SELF TEST. What's you BASAL BODY TEMP? Take your temperature every morning IN BED, right when you wake up before doing anything. Place thermometer under armpit and leave for 10 minutes (if it is mercury), or until digital thermometer beeps. Keep a daily log for 2-3 weeks. What is your average body temp? If it is below 97.2 degrees F than you should go to the doctor to get a prescription, unless you choose to try and treat it naturally. (which will be my next article).
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Step 6
Consider if you may have Euthroid Syndrome-this is when you have low thyroid, but the tests come back normal. This is another reason why it is helpful to do the SELF TEST because well-documented studies show that low body temperature is indicative of euthyroid hypothyroidism.
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Step 7
There are new guidelines that doctors are using to diagnose hypothyroidism which double the number of people who have a thyroid condition than under the old guidelines. The old test didn't recognize people with minor thyroid conditions. So if you tested negative in the past, go back and get tested again.
Comments
brantsbabe said
on 10/2/2008 My husband has this, and it took a while to identify---he is not overweight either, so not typical hypothyroid. It's great that you are sharing the symptoms so people can recognize them.5*
JMKIT said
on 1/21/2008 Wow! I guess I should get tested again or try the self test. Thanks!
MidniteWriter said
on 1/7/2008 This is great to know. Too often people blame themselves for these problems when it is their bodies that betray them. Thank you for your helpful advice and warnings. This is sure to help a lot of people out there.
Blackbear said
on 12/28/2007 Very good article. I found out that if not treated with Synthroid during pregnancy, your child could be born with an un-developed nervous system. The Levothyroxine is just a generic form of the Synthroid which in my opinion does not do as well. I have had my thyroid removed and I still suffer from sensitivity to cold. This stuff is ugly, it affects more things than people will ever know. On the lighter side of things, It can make your tongue also swell which did not happen to me but it does also cause pre-mature gray. FIGURES! LOL Another great article!
Chaddy said
on 12/22/2007 Thanks for the article - I didn't know the symptoms and now, I guess I should have a talk with my physician! Good information and graphics!