Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease causes the immune system to attack and destroy the thyroid gland. This results in hypothyroidism or under active thyroid. Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in Canada, the US and the UK. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with the condition.
Fatigue and Weakness
One of the hallmark symptoms of Hashimoto’s is fatigue or lack of energy. Hypothyroidism causes the body’s metabolism to slow down, leading to exhaustion and persistent tiredness, even with adequate rest. Patients often report feeling drained, weak, and lethargic. Simple physical tasks like walking upstairs can become challenging.
Weight Gain
With hypothyroidism, the body’s metabolism slows significantly, resulting in weight gain despite eating normal amounts of food. Patients often report inexplicable weight gain of 10 to 20 pounds for no clear reason. The weight is usually concentrated around the midsection. Losing the extra weight with diet and exercise can be extremely difficult.
Hair Loss
Hair thinning and hair loss are common symptoms, particularly in women with Hashimoto’s. Hair may become dry and brittle. Loss of the outer third of the eyebrows is also characteristic. Improving thyroid levels often helps with hair regrowth.
Cold Intolerance
Thyroid hormones regulate the body’s sensitivity to cold temperatures. With Hashimoto’s, many people feel excessively cold even in warm environments. They may need several layers of clothing while others are comfortable. Cold hands and feet are very common.
Muscle Aches and Stiffness
Hypothyroidism causes inflammation that can lead to widespread muscle pain and joint stiffness. Patients often report aches and pains throughout the body as well as throbbing, tenderness, and stiffness in the joints.
Constipation
With slowing of the gastrointestinal tract, people with hypothyroidism frequently suffer from constipation. Bowel movements become infrequent, and stools are often hard. Certain foods like dairy, beans, cruciferous vegetables and soy may aggravate constipation. Increasing fibre, fluids, and exercise can help.
Dry Skin and Hair
Reduced circulation and fluid levels associated with Hashimoto’s cause the skin to become excessively dry. Patients report flaky, itchy skin all over the body. Hair also becomes dry and coarse. Using moisturizers and managing thyroid levels can alleviate symptoms.
Irregular Periods
Women may experience heavy, irregular, or prolonged periods as a result of the hormonal changes associated with hypothyroidism. They may also have fertility issues. Regulating thyroid hormone levels often helps resume normal menstruation.
Cognitive Impairment
Hypothyroidism can cause foggy thinking, impaired memory, and concentration difficulties. Patients report feeling “fuzzy headed” and having trouble focusing. Routine tasks require greater effort and mental clarity seems to disappear.
Depression
Low thyroid hormone levels affect neurotransmitters including serotonin that influence mood. As a result, depression is common affecting up to 60% of those with Hashimoto’s. Anxiety and irritability are also frequently reported. Managing the thyroid condition helps alleviate depressive symptoms.
Other Symptoms
A few other common symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease include dry eyes, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, slowed heart rate, elevated blood pressure, numbness in the limbs, low libido, and enlarged thyroid gland or goitre. A functional medicine clinic can help you get a diagnosis.
Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease causes wide-ranging symptoms that can significantly impair quality of life. The good news is that most symptoms improve dramatically with proper treatment and thyroid hormone replacement medication. Close monitoring and optimization of thyroid levels helps manage this chronic autoimmune disorder.
