Symptoms and Complications
Because the hormones T4 and T3 are lacking, the body's metabolic rate and organ functions slow down. Symptoms aren't always obvious, and hypothyroidism may sometimes be mistaken for other diseases. People with hypothyroidism often experience:
- fatigue/feeling sluggish
- weakness
- cold intolerance
- weight gain
- constipation
- depression
- irritability
- dry, scaly skin
- coarse and dry hair
- hair loss
- muscle cramps
- increased menstrual flow (women)
- slower heart rate
- confusion or forgetfulness (often mistaken for dementia in seniors)
If hypothyroidism isn't treated, the symptoms will progress and, rarely, a severe form of hypothyroidism called myxedema will develop. With myxedema, the body temperature drops, anemia occurs, and there is a risk of congestive heart failure. Myxedema coma occurs in some people with severe hypothyroidism who are exposed to some kind of stress, such as infection, severe cold, trauma, or the use of sedatives. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, slowed breathing, and lack of blood flowing to the brain.