Low thyroid is another term for hypothyroidism. It is a disease of the thyroid which is characterized by the inability of the gland to sufficiently secrete important thyroid hormones. These are vital to facilitate the normal functioning of the body. Before we proceed to low thyroid symptoms, let me give you a brief overview of the thyroid, the hormones it secretes and their function in the body. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that is situated anterior of the neck and below the Adam’s apple. Like all glands, it also secretes its own hormones.  The two major hormones are your thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Between the two, your triiodothyronine (T3) is more potent. Your T4 is converted into T3 inside the cell.

What Is The Purpose Of These Hormones In The Body?

• Regulate the body’s basal metabolic rate (BMR)
• Aids in protein synthesis
• Regulate body temperature
• Regulate fat, protein, carbohydrate and vitamin metabolism.
• Involved in the development of cells in the body.
• Regulates the circadian rhythm which involves sleep.

Another hormone produced by your thyroid is Calcitonin. This is significant because it is responsible  for the regulation of Calcium in the bones, as well as in your blood.

Low Thyroid Symptoms:

 Low thyroid disease usually develops gradually. This is the reason why patients may not be able to notice it soon. Some blame their age or getting older. When it continues to develop, it leads to a more obvious slowing down of the function of the body, hence, the signs and symptoms becomes more noticeable.

Fatigue – the patient feels tired and sleepy most of the time. Due to the low hormones in the body, fats and carbohydrates, needed for energy, are not metabolized. Hence, the patient lacks the energy to perform any activity.

Cold Intolerance – The patient has increased sensitivity to cold. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating body temperature. When the TH level is low, cold intolerance happens.

Constipation – Low thyroid slows down many of the body’s systems. It slows down digestion and peristalsis, and eventually elimination.

Weight Gain – due to decreased BMR.  Patients may experience weight gain, despite low appetite. However, weight gained by hyperthyroid patients is greater than that weight gained by a hypothyroid person.

Muscle Cramps, Muscle Weakness and Joint Pains - It is not understood why this occurs. But generally, hypothyroidism causes these symptoms. This occurs in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease where there is inflammation and swelling of the tissue. Thus, it compresses and affects not only the thyroid but the surrounding tissue as well.

Menstrual Changes – Early Menstruation (puberty), more frequent and longer periods, as well as dysmenorrhea  are common low thyroid symptoms. It is not clear why this occurs, but hypothyroid patients usually present this symptom.

Brittle Fingernails, Dry Hair and Skin and Hair Falling Out – Since our body system is slowed down in hypothyroidism, oil glands secretes sluggishly that’s why we have dry hair and skin. Hair falls out because the growth is interrupted and new hairs grow very slowly.

As you can see there are numerous low thyroid syptoms that you could exhibit if you have hypothyroidism. If you suspect that you have low thyroid levels that see your doctor as soon as possible as he can start you on a treatment plan.