18 Indications Of Hypothyroidism, Or An Underactive Thyroid

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Only My Health

According to the NIH, the thyroid gland ‘is a vital hormone gland: It plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body.’ It also helps regulate a number of body functions by continuously releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream, such as body temperature, metabolism, muscle and digestive functions, bone maintenance, as well as brain development.

The thyroid gland, which is scientifically known as the glandula thyreoida, can be found at the front of the neck, underneath the voice box, and is shaped like a butterfly.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) shares that around 5 percent of U.S. adults suffer from hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. This also means that it’s the most prevalent immune disease in North America.

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland fails to produce the correct or adequate amount of thyroid hormone, which affects one’s brain, mood, and body function. Unfortunately, around 60 percent of people suffering from thyroid disease don’t even know that they have a health issue, mostly because the symptoms are quite common, such as weight gain, extreme fatigue, moodiness, and digestive upset.

Although people will experience symptoms in different ways, as well as in varying degrees, here are 19 symptoms that could indicate having an underactive thyroid.

1. Unexplained Fatigue

It’s said that fatigue is basically the universal symptom of hypothyroidism. That’s because the thyroid hormone is what controls energy levels, while also telling the body when it needs to rest or sleep. According to Healthline, “Thyroid hormones receive signals from the brain and coordinates cells to change their functions, depending on what else is going on in your body. Those with high levels of thyroid hormone feel nervous and jittery. In contrast, people with low levels of thyroid hormone feel exhausted and sluggish.” If you manage to get a good eight hours of sleep most of the time, yet wake up feeling sluggish and have a hard time making it out of bed, or feel extremely tired all throughout the day, you may want to speak with your health practitioner about the possibility of having thyroid disease.