
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including:Īutoimmune disease. Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones. These hormones also influence the control of vital functions, such as body temperature and heart rate. Hormones produced by the thyroid gland - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) - have an enormous impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the front of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. There can be a number of causes, including autoimmune disease, hyperthyroidism treatments, radiation therapy, thyroid surgery and certain medications. When your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset. And over time, the dose you need may change. Initially, it's important to make sure you're receiving the correct dose of medicine. If you're receiving hormone therapy for hypothyroidism, schedule follow-up visits as often as your doctor recommends. See your doctor if you're feeling tired for no reason or have any of the other signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as dry skin, a pale, puffy face, constipation or a hoarse voice. Poor growth, resulting in short stature.In general, children and teens who develop hypothyroidism have the same signs and symptoms as adults do, but they may also experience: When hypothyroidism in infants isn't treated, even mild cases can lead to severe physical and mental retardation. In most cases, this occurs when a baby's liver can't metabolize a substance called bilirubin, which normally forms when the body recycles old or damaged red blood cells.Īs the disease progresses, infants are likely to have trouble feeding and may fail to grow and develop normally.
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Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).When newborns do have problems with hypothyroidism, the problems may include: Initially, babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that doesn't work properly may have few signs and symptoms. Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periodsĪlthough hypothyroidism most often affects middle-aged and older women, anyone can develop the condition, including infants.


Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints.

Hypothyroidism signs and symptoms may include: But as your metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more-obvious problems. Or you may simply attribute them to getting older. Problems tend to develop slowly, often over a number of years.Īt first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. Your thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below the Adam's apple.
