Hypothyroidism Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Years may pass before you notice symptoms.

Symptoms include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Coarse, brittle hair; hair loss
Facial puffiness
Dry skin
Swollen hands or feet
Cold intolerance
Weight gain
Constipation
Achy feeling all over
Depression and irritability
Memory loss
Difficulty with concentration
Blurred vision
Menstrual abnormalities or infertility

Symptoms of severe or prolonged cases include:

Stupor or coma
Slow heart rate
Depressed breathing
Hypothermia (low body temperature)
Hoarseness

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical and family history, and perform a physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, blood tests will be done, which include:

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Free T4 and free T3
Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.