What parts of the body does hypothyroidism affect?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck.

What other organs does the thyroid affect?

Thyroid hormone affects virtually every organ system in the body, including the heart, CNS, autonomic nervous system, bone, GI, and metabolism.

How does hypothyroidism affect you physically?

An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.

How do you feel when you have hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

Thyroid Gland, Hormones and Thyroid Problems, Animation

What parts of your body does the thyroid control?

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. Its correct functioning depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet.

Can thyroid problems affect digestive system?

Digestive symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include dyspepsia (chest pain), low stomach acid, poor absorption, constipation, gallstones, anemia and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. The thyroid gland can have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal system.

Does your thyroid affect your nervous system?

Thyroid function has been shown to play a crucial role in the proper cognitive development but also in many other aspects of nervous system activity, in mechanisms involving direct interaction with intrinsic regulatory circuits or indirectly by systemic effects exerted e.g. on the circulatory system or metabolic ...

Can thyroid problems affect your legs?

Nerve Damage

Severe, untreated hypothyroidism can cause fluid buildup that puts pressure on the nerves in your arms and legs. This can lead to tingling, pain, and numbness where the nerve is damaged.

Can thyroid cause weak legs?

When you have thyroid disease, you might experience muscle weakness and pain, especially if your thyroid hormone levels are not where they should be. Hypothyroid myopathy tends to cause muscle weakness in the larger muscles of the body, typically the shoulders and thighs.

What do your hands look like if you have hypothyroidism?

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.

Does hypothyroidism affect your bowels?

People with hyperthyroidism often complain their bowel movements are frequent and do not feel rested even after sleeping 8 hours each night. In contrast, Hypothyroidism slows down your bowel movements which may cause constipation in some cases.

Can hypothyroidism cause lower back pain?

Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue and weight gain, among many other symptoms. In ankylosing spondylitis, the immune system attacks the joints and ligaments in the spine. Common symptoms include back pain and stiffness. The condition may also cause inflammation in other joints and organs, such as the eyes.

Can thyroid cause belly fat?

Weight gain

Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.

What foods trigger hypothyroidism?

These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts: Soy-based foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, soy milk, etc. Certain fruits: peaches, pears, and strawberries. Beverages: coffee, green tea, and alcohol — these beverages may irritate your thyroid gland ( 27 , 28 , 29 )

What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in females?

What is the main cause of thyroid problems?

Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency. autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or ...

Can hypothyroidism make your joints hurt?

Specifically, hypothyroidism may lead to: Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. Joint pain and stiffness. Swelling of the small joints in the hands and feet.

Can hypothyroidism affect kidneys?

Summary. A growing body of evidence suggests that hypothyroidism is a risk factor for incident CKD, CKD progression, and higher death risk in kidney disease patients.

Can low thyroid cause leg pain?

Muscle weakness, aches, and cramping are common in people with hypothyroidism. While the weakness can be generalized, people typically experience it in the muscles that are closest to the center of their bodies, such as the thigh or shoulder.

How does hypothyroidism affect the brain?

Hypothyroidism is common in adults and is frequently associated with cognitive issues, such as increased forgetfulness, mental slowing and “brain fog”.

Can thyroid cause dizziness balance problems?

Is dizziness a symptom of a thyroid problem? Yes, dizziness is a symptom of a thyroid problem. Thyroid diseases³ or thyroid abnormalities sometimes manifest as dizziness. A high heart rate, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness are all possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Does hypothyroidism cause gas and bloating?

Digestive system

Hypothyroidism slows the movement of food through your stomach and intestines. Slowed digestion can lead to symptoms like heartburn, constipation, and bloating.

Does hypothyroid affect toenails?

Yellow soles: A buildup of beta-carotene in hypothyroidism collects in the outer layer of the skin, including the soles of the feet and the palms of the hand. Toenail changes: Too much and too little thyroid hormone can cause abnormalities of the nails, both the toenails and fingernails.

Can hypothyroidism cause inflammation in the body?

Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with a low grade inflammation, increased triglyceride levels and predicts cardiovascular disease in males below 50 years.