Many women are affect by thyroid problems. The American Thyroid Association estimates that more than 12% of the U.S. population has a thyroid condition and shockingly, almost 60% of those are unaware of it. Hypothyroidism is the most common form of thyroid disease, which results in lower levels of circulating thyroid hormones. Most of us are familiar with the most common signs and symptoms – fatigue, weight gain, constipation, hair loss and being cold. While those are the most common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, not everyone with hypothyroidism will have them. It’s also important to be aware of some of the less associated symptoms to ensure hypothyroidism does not go missed.
Here are 5 less-common symptoms of hypothyroidism
1. Hives
Chronic hives that seem to have no other explanation should be considered as a sign of hypothyroidism. Most commonly, this is associated with Hashimoto’s, which is an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism. Hives will often look like a rash that can range from raised bumps to large wheals on the skin that are often red and itchy. They are common with allergic reactions, but with no obvious trigger, or when they are chronic (lasting over 6 weeks), it’s important to consider autoimmunity, especially of the thyroid. It’s estimated that around 5-57% of people with Hashimoto’s can have chronic hives, most of which occur in women.
2. Heartburn
Thyroid hormones affect every cell in the body. When thyroid hormones are low, this can reduce production of stomach acid, and slow down stomach emptying and movement through the digestive tract. Low stomach acid is often a culprit in heartburn and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). In addition, the slowing of downward moving through the digestive tract can increase pressures upwards. Those with hypothyroidism are also more likely to suffer from hiatal hernias which commonly cause heartburn and GERD. The dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal system is also why those with hypothyroidism often suffer from bloating and constipation as well.
3. Muscle Aches
Muscle aches frequently occur in those with hypothyroidism, but we often don’t associate the two since muscles aches are incredibly common. Low circulating thyroid hormone secondary to hypothyroidism causes many changes within all of our cells, including our muscle cells. We see deterioration of muscles fibres, and increase oxidative stress, which results in muscle aches and weakness. This tends to be exacerbated after activity or exertion. Joint pain often accompanies this.
4. High Cholesterol
Thyroid hormones play an important role in cholesterol metabolism. As thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) increases (a sign that our body has low thyroid hormones), we see increases in total cholesterol, increases in the unhealthy forms of cholesterol, and decreases in the protective forms. This, along with other metabolic changes associated with hypothyroidism (i.e. insulin resistance and oxidative stress), can increase overall cardiovascular disease risk. When someone has high cholesterol, especially when it is not part of a metabolic syndrome, it’s important to test to see if the thyroid may be the cause.
5. Headaches
Headaches occur in about 1/3 of individuals with hypothyroidism. So, in fact, they are quite a common symptom, but with up to 80% of the generally population suffering from headaches, we often don’t consider the thyroid. Headaches due to hypothyroidism often onset at the time of disease, and can present like a tension-type headache, or have migraine features. It’s important to note that since headaches are so common, considering migraine and headache history, as well as changes in headache and migraine patterns is important
Thyroid conditions are incredibly prevalent, and it’s common for them to go missed when one does not present in the classical way. It’s important to look at all of the possible manifestations of thyroid disease. Changes in thyroid hormones affect every cell of the body, and when thyroid hormones change, all other hormones can be affected. Suffering from the common symptoms even in mild forms, the uncommon symptoms, or unexplained symptoms, it’s important to consider the thyroid as a cause and get tested appropriately.
Resources
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