Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsHypothyroidism in ChildrenComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Hypothyroidism GuideHow Hypothyroidism Is Treated
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Hypothyroidism in Children
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Hypothyroidism Guide
Yourthyroidis a butterfly-shaped organ that sits at the base of your neck. It produces hormones that regulate body functions.
When your thyroid gland is underactive (called hypothyroidism), it makes too little hormone. When that occurs, yourmetabolism slows down, and your thyroid may not function normally.
This process may lead to various symptoms, including weight gain,fatigue, depression, dry skin, brain fog, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, andconstipation. In addition, withouttreatment, a goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) may develop. Other complications can also develop.
This article explains hypothyroid symptoms, complications, and when to see a healthcare provider.
© Verywell, 2018
The symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to be mild or even unnoticeable when the disease is in the early stages. However, symptoms are more dramatic when it develops rapidly.
Moreover, the symptoms can vary significantly from person to person; no single symptom definitively clinches ahypothyroidism diagnosis.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be non-specific or attributed to other factors, like stress and aging. Therefore, they are often easily missed.
For instance, while weight gain is typical in hypothyroidism, many people with an underactive thyroid are of average weight or even thin.
Slowing Metabolic Processes
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism are the result of a slowed metabolism. These include:
Skin, Hair, and Nail Changes
Skin, hair, and nail changes often occur with hypothyroidism. That’s because decreased blood flow, water retention, and slow processes accompany the condition. These symptoms may include:
“Brain Fog”
“Brain fog” is another symptom of hypothyroidism.While this is not a medical term, per se, it has become a well-recognized description of a group of cognitive symptoms. Brain fog may involve:
Brain fog may occur in hypothyroidism because your brain requires sufficient levels of thyroid hormone to function correctly.
Thyroid Disorders and Brain Fog
Psychiatric Problems
Hypothyroidism may also mimic the symptoms ofdepression. These shared symptoms may include:
People with hypothyroidism may also feel inexplicably anxious or irritable.
Sexual and Reproductive Problems
For some people with hypothyroidism, their first and perhaps the biggest clue is a history of menstrual and reproductive problems. These may include:
In addition, as many as half ofthose with testiclesand hypothyroidism experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation.
RecapWhile hypothyroidism doesn’t always have apparent, identifiable symptoms, there are some common signs that you may want to have your thyroid evaluated. These include fatigue, weight gain, skin, hair, and nail problems, “brain fog,” mood problems, and sexual and reproductive difficulties.
Recap
While hypothyroidism doesn’t always have apparent, identifiable symptoms, there are some common signs that you may want to have your thyroid evaluated. These include fatigue, weight gain, skin, hair, and nail problems, “brain fog,” mood problems, and sexual and reproductive difficulties.
In a person with severe hypothyroidism, amyxedemacrisis (also called myxedema coma) may occur.This life-threatening condition results from untreated hypothyroidism. It happens when thyroid hormone levels are extremely low. Symptoms include:
Thyroid Disease Symptoms: Signs of Thyroid Problems
Congenital Hypothyroidism
The most common cause ofcongenital hypothyroidismis thyroiddysgenesis. The thyroid gland is either missing, malformed, or severely underdeveloped in this condition.
Most newborns with congenital hypothyroidism will have no signs of the disease.However, some may exhibit symptoms such as:
Another telltale sign is prolongedjaundice. This condition is when the yellowish color of a newborn’s skin, seen in around 50% of full-term babies, persists for longer than two weeks.
When You Don’t Have a Thyroid Gland
Acquired Hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s disease, iodine deficiency, or radiation treatment may cause acquired hypothyroidism.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Kids most at risk for developing acquired hypothyroidism include those withDown syndrome, type 1 diabetes, and children who have receivedradiation treatment.
RecapHypothyroidism can also occur in children. These cases are either congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Jaundice, poor feeding, and lethargy may be indicators of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism in kids.
Hypothyroidism can also occur in children. These cases are either congenital (present at birth) or acquired. Jaundice, poor feeding, and lethargy may be indicators of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism in kids.
Thyroid Disease and Diabetes
Several medical conditions may occur due to hypothyroidism, especially when untreated or uncontrolled.
Goiter
A goiter can range from slight enlargement, which may have no other symptoms, to a substantial increase in size.
If you have a large goiter, you may feel swelling or general discomfort in the neck area.In addition, scarves or ties may feel uncomfortable due to neck enlargement. In some cases, your neck and throat may be sore or tender.
Less commonly, swallowing or even breathing can become difficult. That’s because sometimes a goiter can block your windpipe or esophagus.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Hypothyroidism is known to causeperipheral neuropathy. This condition results when theperipheral nervous system(the network of nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord) is damaged.
It can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on which nerves are damaged. It often results in localized sensations and pain such as:
The association between thyroid function and peripheral neuropathy isn’t fully understood. However, researchers believe that hypothyroidism leads to fluid retention, resulting in swollen tissues.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may begin with burning and tingling in the palm and fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
This discomfort is often worse at night, especially if you sleep with your wrists bent. In addition, if carpal tunnel progresses, hand muscles may waste away, leading to weakness, particularly decreased grip strength.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Anemia
A deficiency of thyroid hormone reduces your body’s production of red blood cells in your bone marrow, the spongy tissue that lies in the center of certain bones. Reduced red blood cells can lead toanemia.
AnemiaAnemia is a condition where red blood cell count is lower than normal.
Anemia is a condition where red blood cell count is lower than normal.
Anemia can cause symptoms like:
Causes and Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia
High Cholesterol
When the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, it can affect your body’s ability to process cholesterol, leading to elevated total cholesterol andLDL levels.
LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries, eventually contributing to blockages that can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Besideshigh cholesterol, other heart-related complications associated with hypothyroidism include high blood pressure and fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).
Myopathy
Myopathy(or muscle disease) may result from an underactive thyroid gland. People with hypothyroidism-induced myopathy often complain of muscle pain and stiffness. In addition, they may experience muscle weakness that can make simple activities like rising from a chair, climbing stairs, or washing hair difficult.
Infertility and Pregnancy Problems
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to menstrual irregularities, which can lead to infertility. In addition, research suggests that hypothyroidism during pregnancy increases the risk for pregnancy loss,placental abruption, preterm delivery, and neonatal death.
RecapUntreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism can lead to other medical conditions. These include goiter, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, high cholesterol, myopathy, and fertility and pregnancy problems.
Untreated or uncontrolled hypothyroidism can lead to other medical conditions. These include goiter, peripheral neuropathy, anemia, high cholesterol, myopathy, and fertility and pregnancy problems.
Fertility and Pregnancy Challenges With Thyroid Disease
If you are worried that you or a loved one is experiencing one or more symptoms of hypothyroidism, call your healthcare provider for an appointment. In addition to a medical history and physical examination, they can perform a blood test called thethyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) test, which can narrow down if there is a thyroid problem.
Seek medical attention right away if you are experiencing symptoms of myxedema coma, such as severe fatigue or extreme cold intolerance.
Summary
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone. Symptoms commonly include fatigue, weight gain, “brain fog,” and mood problems. Rarely, a condition called myxedema coma can occur when thyroid levels fall to dangerously low levels. Hypothyroidism can lead to other medical conditions, so getting timely diagnosis and treatment is important.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFor many people, a goiter is commonly the first sign of Hashimoto disease.Other symptoms such as fatigue or weight gain may appear before the goiter, but people might dismiss them as related to aging or stress.Learn MoreSymptoms of Hashimoto’s DiseaseIf left untreated, hypothyroidism could lead to very serious complications. These include heart disease and a rare, life-threatening condition known as myxedema, in which the skin thickens and swells, especially around your face and legs.Learn MoreWhat Is Myxedema Coma?A flare-up is when you feel hypothyroidism symptoms. These flare-ups can occur even if you’re on daily hormone replacement therapy. For instance, you might feel unusual fatigue, aches, sensitivity to cold, or memory problems. In addition, stress, diet, and certain medications may cause these flare-ups.Learn MoreHashimoto’s Flare-Up
For many people, a goiter is commonly the first sign of Hashimoto disease.Other symptoms such as fatigue or weight gain may appear before the goiter, but people might dismiss them as related to aging or stress.Learn MoreSymptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease
For many people, a goiter is commonly the first sign of Hashimoto disease.Other symptoms such as fatigue or weight gain may appear before the goiter, but people might dismiss them as related to aging or stress.
Learn MoreSymptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease
If left untreated, hypothyroidism could lead to very serious complications. These include heart disease and a rare, life-threatening condition known as myxedema, in which the skin thickens and swells, especially around your face and legs.Learn MoreWhat Is Myxedema Coma?
If left untreated, hypothyroidism could lead to very serious complications. These include heart disease and a rare, life-threatening condition known as myxedema, in which the skin thickens and swells, especially around your face and legs.
Learn MoreWhat Is Myxedema Coma?
A flare-up is when you feel hypothyroidism symptoms. These flare-ups can occur even if you’re on daily hormone replacement therapy. For instance, you might feel unusual fatigue, aches, sensitivity to cold, or memory problems. In addition, stress, diet, and certain medications may cause these flare-ups.Learn MoreHashimoto’s Flare-Up
A flare-up is when you feel hypothyroidism symptoms. These flare-ups can occur even if you’re on daily hormone replacement therapy. For instance, you might feel unusual fatigue, aches, sensitivity to cold, or memory problems. In addition, stress, diet, and certain medications may cause these flare-ups.
Learn MoreHashimoto’s Flare-Up
Thyroid Disease Causes and Risk Factors
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Biondi B.Thyroid and obesity: an intriguing relationship. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(8):3614-7. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-1245American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.Safer JD.Thyroid hormone action on skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011;3(3):211-5. doi:10.4161/derm.3.3.17027Samuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):377-83. doi:10.1097/MED.0000000000000089Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-13. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245Mathew V, Misgar RA, Ghosh S, et al.Myxedema coma: a new look into an old crisis. J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:493462. doi:10.4061/2011/493462National Library of Medicine.Hypothyroidism.Rastogi MV, Lafranchi SH.Congenital hypothyroidism. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2010;5:17. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-5-17National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hashimoto’s disease.American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.American Academy of Pediatrics.Acquired hypothyroidism in children.Cincinnati Children’s.Acquired hypothyroidism.Nada A, Mohamed ahmed A, Vilallonga R, Armengol M, Moustafa I.A giant euthyroid endemic multinodular goiter with no obstructive or compressive symptoms. Case Rep Med. 2011;2011:620480. doi:10.1155/2011/620480Cleveland Clinic.Anemia.Maraka S, Ospina NMS, O’Keeffe DT, et al.Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Thyroid. 2016;26(4):580-590. doi: 10.1089/thy.2015.0418Cleveland Clinic.Hashimoto’s disease.Leung AM.Thyroid emergencies.Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2016;39(5):281-286. doi:10.1097%2FNAN.0000000000000186Trifirò G, Parrino F, Sultana J, et al.Drug interactions with levothyroxine therapy in patients with hypothyroidism: observational study in general practice.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(3):187-195. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0271-0Additional ReadingSamuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism.Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes.2014 Oct;21(5):377-83.Surks MI. (2017). Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. Ross DS, ed. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.Hanley, P.; Lord, K.; and Bauer, A.Thyroid Disorders in Children and Adolescents A Review.JAMA Pediatrics.2016; 170(10):1008-1019.Ono Y, Ono S, Yasunaga H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Tanaka Y.Clinical characteristics and outcomes of myxedema coma: Analysis of a national inpatient database in Japan.J Epidemiol. 2017 Mar;27(3):117-22.Tagami T et al.Multi-center study on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with hypercholesterolemia.Endocr J.2011;58(6):449-57.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Biondi B.Thyroid and obesity: an intriguing relationship. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(8):3614-7. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-1245American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.Safer JD.Thyroid hormone action on skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011;3(3):211-5. doi:10.4161/derm.3.3.17027Samuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):377-83. doi:10.1097/MED.0000000000000089Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-13. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245Mathew V, Misgar RA, Ghosh S, et al.Myxedema coma: a new look into an old crisis. J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:493462. doi:10.4061/2011/493462National Library of Medicine.Hypothyroidism.Rastogi MV, Lafranchi SH.Congenital hypothyroidism. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2010;5:17. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-5-17National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hashimoto’s disease.American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.American Academy of Pediatrics.Acquired hypothyroidism in children.Cincinnati Children’s.Acquired hypothyroidism.Nada A, Mohamed ahmed A, Vilallonga R, Armengol M, Moustafa I.A giant euthyroid endemic multinodular goiter with no obstructive or compressive symptoms. Case Rep Med. 2011;2011:620480. doi:10.1155/2011/620480Cleveland Clinic.Anemia.Maraka S, Ospina NMS, O’Keeffe DT, et al.Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Thyroid. 2016;26(4):580-590. doi: 10.1089/thy.2015.0418Cleveland Clinic.Hashimoto’s disease.Leung AM.Thyroid emergencies.Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2016;39(5):281-286. doi:10.1097%2FNAN.0000000000000186Trifirò G, Parrino F, Sultana J, et al.Drug interactions with levothyroxine therapy in patients with hypothyroidism: observational study in general practice.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(3):187-195. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0271-0Additional ReadingSamuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism.Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes.2014 Oct;21(5):377-83.Surks MI. (2017). Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. Ross DS, ed. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.Hanley, P.; Lord, K.; and Bauer, A.Thyroid Disorders in Children and Adolescents A Review.JAMA Pediatrics.2016; 170(10):1008-1019.Ono Y, Ono S, Yasunaga H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Tanaka Y.Clinical characteristics and outcomes of myxedema coma: Analysis of a national inpatient database in Japan.J Epidemiol. 2017 Mar;27(3):117-22.Tagami T et al.Multi-center study on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with hypercholesterolemia.Endocr J.2011;58(6):449-57.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Biondi B.Thyroid and obesity: an intriguing relationship. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(8):3614-7. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-1245American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.Safer JD.Thyroid hormone action on skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011;3(3):211-5. doi:10.4161/derm.3.3.17027Samuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):377-83. doi:10.1097/MED.0000000000000089Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-13. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245Mathew V, Misgar RA, Ghosh S, et al.Myxedema coma: a new look into an old crisis. J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:493462. doi:10.4061/2011/493462National Library of Medicine.Hypothyroidism.Rastogi MV, Lafranchi SH.Congenital hypothyroidism. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2010;5:17. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-5-17National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hashimoto’s disease.American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.American Academy of Pediatrics.Acquired hypothyroidism in children.Cincinnati Children’s.Acquired hypothyroidism.Nada A, Mohamed ahmed A, Vilallonga R, Armengol M, Moustafa I.A giant euthyroid endemic multinodular goiter with no obstructive or compressive symptoms. Case Rep Med. 2011;2011:620480. doi:10.1155/2011/620480Cleveland Clinic.Anemia.Maraka S, Ospina NMS, O’Keeffe DT, et al.Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Thyroid. 2016;26(4):580-590. doi: 10.1089/thy.2015.0418Cleveland Clinic.Hashimoto’s disease.Leung AM.Thyroid emergencies.Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2016;39(5):281-286. doi:10.1097%2FNAN.0000000000000186Trifirò G, Parrino F, Sultana J, et al.Drug interactions with levothyroxine therapy in patients with hypothyroidism: observational study in general practice.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(3):187-195. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0271-0
Biondi B.Thyroid and obesity: an intriguing relationship. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(8):3614-7. doi:10.1210/jc.2010-1245
American Thyroid Association.Hypothyroidism.
Safer JD.Thyroid hormone action on skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011;3(3):211-5. doi:10.4161/derm.3.3.17027
Samuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):377-83. doi:10.1097/MED.0000000000000089
Saran S, Gupta BS, Philip R, et al.Effect of hypothyroidism on female reproductive hormones. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2016;20(1):108-13. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.172245
Mathew V, Misgar RA, Ghosh S, et al.Myxedema coma: a new look into an old crisis. J Thyroid Res. 2011;2011:493462. doi:10.4061/2011/493462
National Library of Medicine.Hypothyroidism.
Rastogi MV, Lafranchi SH.Congenital hypothyroidism. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2010;5:17. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-5-17
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hashimoto’s disease.
American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Acquired hypothyroidism in children.
Cincinnati Children’s.Acquired hypothyroidism.
Nada A, Mohamed ahmed A, Vilallonga R, Armengol M, Moustafa I.A giant euthyroid endemic multinodular goiter with no obstructive or compressive symptoms. Case Rep Med. 2011;2011:620480. doi:10.1155/2011/620480
Cleveland Clinic.Anemia.
Maraka S, Ospina NMS, O’Keeffe DT, et al.Subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Thyroid. 2016;26(4):580-590. doi: 10.1089/thy.2015.0418
Cleveland Clinic.Hashimoto’s disease.
Leung AM.Thyroid emergencies.Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2016;39(5):281-286. doi:10.1097%2FNAN.0000000000000186
Trifirò G, Parrino F, Sultana J, et al.Drug interactions with levothyroxine therapy in patients with hypothyroidism: observational study in general practice.Clin Drug Investig. 2015;35(3):187-195. doi:10.1007/s40261-015-0271-0
Samuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism.Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes.2014 Oct;21(5):377-83.Surks MI. (2017). Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. Ross DS, ed. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.Hanley, P.; Lord, K.; and Bauer, A.Thyroid Disorders in Children and Adolescents A Review.JAMA Pediatrics.2016; 170(10):1008-1019.Ono Y, Ono S, Yasunaga H, Matsui H, Fushimi K, Tanaka Y.Clinical characteristics and outcomes of myxedema coma: Analysis of a national inpatient database in Japan.J Epidemiol. 2017 Mar;27(3):117-22.Tagami T et al.Multi-center study on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with hypercholesterolemia.Endocr J.2011;58(6):449-57.
Samuels MH.Psychiatric and cognitive manifestations of hypothyroidism.Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes.2014 Oct;21(5):377-83.
Surks MI. (2017). Clinical manifestations of hypothyroidism. Ross DS, ed. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
