HYPOTHYROIDISM

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be vague and can often mimic other conditions. They may include:

• Changes in the menstrual cycle
• Constipation
• Depression
• Dry hair and hair loss
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Greater sensitivity to cold
• Slow heart rate
• Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Babies with hypothyroidism may have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Cold hands and feet
• Constipation
• Extreme sleepiness
• Hoarse cry
• Little or no growth
• Low muscle tone (floppy infant)
• Persistent jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Poor feeding habits
• Puffy face
• Stomach bloating
• Swollen tongue

DIAGNOSIS

Proper history of illness and physical examination is important for diagnosis. Blood tests to check hormone levels can also help with the diagnosis. These may include:

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• T4 (thyroxine)

If your test results or physical exam of the thyroid are abnormal, your doctor may order a thyroid ultrasound, or thyroid scan, to check for nodules or inflammation.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Thyroid hormone medicine:

• Reduces or eliminates symptoms of hypothyroidism. Symptoms usually improve within the first week after you begin therapy. All symptoms usually disappear within a few months.
• May reduce the risk of slowed physical growth, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems in infants and children.