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Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary widely, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. But in general, any problems you do have tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.
At first, you may barely notice symptoms such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older. But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms, including:
Increased sensitivity to cold.
Constipation.
Pale, dry skin.
A puffy face.
Hoarse voice.
An elevated blood cholesterol level.
Unexplained weight gain. Many people attribute their weight gain to an underactive thyroid, but this is true only in a few cases. Hypothyroidism will rarely cause you to gain more than 10 to 20 pounds — most of which is fluid.
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips.
Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet.
Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities.
Heavier than normal menstrual periods.
Depression.
When hypothyroidism isn't treated, symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of your thyroid to release more hormones may lead to an enlarged thyroid (goiter). In addition, you may become more forgetful, your thought processes may slow or you may feel depressed.
Advanced hypothyroidism, known as myxedema, is rare, but when it occurs it can be life-threatening. Symptoms include drowsiness and intense intolerance to cold followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness. In some cases, myxedema can be fatal.
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