Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when a person’s thyroid gland is underactive, that is, the gland does not release an adequate amount of the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland has an important function of controlling the body’s metabolism. Those suffering from this condition have a slower metabolism, and symptoms associated with a slower metabolism such as the inability to lose eight easily.
Other hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, a foggy feeling, constipation, irritability, depression, and the inability to tolerate the cold. If this condition is left untreated, these symptoms may become more severe, especially as a woman enters menopause. Since hypothyroidism can cause symptoms such as fatigue and constipation, these symptoms can be attributed to so many other conditions that a person’s true condition is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In mild cases, many women do not seek treatment, attributing fatigue to other causes.
Underactive thyroid conditions affect both men and women, but men typically are not affected by extreme fatigue as women are, or they suffer in silence. Research has shown women are more likely to be affected by a thyroid disorder than a man is, in fact, many women are suffering and have no idea what is wrong with them. Only a blood test can accurately determine if a person has an underactive thyroid. If you or a loved one have the symptoms of an underactive thyroid,see a doctor today.