Low Thyroid Hormone Symptoms

The condition of having a low level of thyroid hormones, called hypothyroidism, has many associated effects on the body. Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism. An underproduction of thyroid hormones will result in a decrease in metabolism; conversely, an overproduction will quicken the body's metabolism.

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland, located in the lower neck, secretes hormones which regulate the body's metabolism. A large percentage of people have small nodules on their thyroid gland but few ever become aware of their presence, as many nodules never cause any problems. Goiters may also appear on the thyroid, but the incidence of these masses has decreased with the common availability of iodinized salt in developed nations.

Indications of Low Thyroid Hormone Levels

Hypothyroidism is generally indicated by a dip in metabolism. This is evidenced by weight gain, difficulty losing weight even when maintaining a proper diet and exercise regimen, fatigue, and an increased sensitivity to cold. People with low thyroid hormone levels also experience pale and dry skin, hair, and fingernails; chronic muscle and joint aches; and depression. Each individual with hypothyroidism experiences her own combination of these symptoms. The severity of the symptoms increases with the severity of the thyroid imbalance and the amount of time the thyroid has been under-producing.

Indications in Children

There are additional symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels in children due to the impact of low hormone levels on their growth and development. Children with chronic and severe hypothyroidism can experience stunted growth, jaundice, an enlarged tongue, a persistent lethargic feeling and late onset of puberty and the development of permanent teeth. It is important to get hypothyroidism in children and teenagers promptly diagnosed and treated so that their underproduction of the thyroid hormone does not have a long-term negative effect on their growth and development.

Diagnosis

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed through a combination of different tests. Low thyroid hormone levels are generally first discovered through blood testing. A person will then have an ultrasound on his thyroid gland to determine if there are any significant nodules present. An endocrinologist will then view the results to determine if there are any problematic nodules that need to be removed or if further, more detailed testing is necessary.

Treatment

Low thyroid levels are treated by taking a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. Your thyroid hormone levels will continue to be monitored via blood tests to ensure that you are getting the right amount of synthetic hormone in combination with what your thyroid gland continues to naturally produce. Those who eat a diet high in soy and fiber may hinder their ability to absorb the synthetic hormone and should consult with their doctor about potential changes to their diet or levothyroxine dosage. Other medications may also interact with the synthetic hormone, so any drug regimens should be closely monitored by a physician.