Hypothyroidism: You should know seven warning signs

Created: 08/28/2022, 09:00

By: Laura Knops

With an underactive thyroid, the thyroid produces too few hormones.

Which warning signs you should take seriously.

The disease manifests itself differently in everyone: one person is constantly excited and hyperactive, the other is listless and often tired.

As different as these symptoms are, they are related to the same organ.

If the thyroid gets out of balance, it can manifest itself in very different ways.

Since the symptoms are often very unspecific, hypothyroidism is often not recognized until late.

What are the warning signs of an underactive thyroid and when to see a doctor.

Hypothyroidism: You should know these warning signs

The thyroid is located below the larynx and in front of the trachea.

But although the thyroid gland usually receives little attention, it is one of the most important organs in the human body.

It not only controls the functions of the cardiovascular system and nerves.

Since the thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones, it also supports the growth and development of cells.

The thyroid gland is at the level of the larynx and can be felt by palpation (symbolic image).

© Panthermedia / Imago

An overactive or underactive thyroid is one of the most common diseases in adulthood.

A third of German women and men suffer from a thyroid malfunction - most of them without knowing it.

Because the butterfly-shaped organ causes problems, the symptoms are often non-specific and often affect the entire metabolism.

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Hypothyroidism: Hormone production out of balance

If the thyroid gland is underactive, the organ produces too few hormones - the two most important are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

When the body is in balance, the thyroid produces around 80 to 100 micrograms of thyroxine (T4) and 10 to 40 micrograms of triiodothyronine (T3) every day.

However, if these hormones only reach the organism to a limited extent, this affects the entire metabolism.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health, a hypofunction of the thyroid gland is noticeable through physical as well as psychological complaints.

Hypothyroidism: Symptoms are varied

Many people suffer from an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism.

Around every third person in Germany is affected by an altered thyroid gland.

The following warning signs speak for an underactive thyroid:

• sensitivity to cold

• fatigue

• Concentration problems, forgetfulness and declining performance

• Depressive moods and listlessness

• unexplained weight gain

• increased cholesterol level

• low blood pressure and weak pulse

Hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails and constipation can also indicate an underactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism: Risk increases with age

Due to the variety of symptoms, thyroid disorders should be considered early in the history.

Older people in particular should have the organ examined in the event of non-specific complaints.

Thyroid disorders become more common with age.

According to the Federal Association of German Internists (BDI), women are affected much more frequently.

Hypothyroidism most commonly occurs as a result of Hashimoto's disease, which affects the thyroid gland.

A possible cause of an altered thyroid gland can also be insufficient intake of iodine.

An iodine deficiency can also lead to thyroid disease.

Only in rare cases is the malfunction congenital.

This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.