You probably know the feeling of being drained for weeks on end and blaming it on stress. Many of us also blame the colder months, extra pounds or a foggy head on just getting older. For some, a small gland in the neck is quietly behind it all.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid does not make enough hormone. According to the NIDDK, nearly 5 percent of Americans ages 12 and older have it, and most cases are mild or have few obvious symptoms.
The condition is far more common in women and in people over age 60. The symptoms creep up over months or years and mimic burnout, depression or ordinary aging, which is why many cases are missed.
Signs that often get mistaken for stress or burnout
Fatigue is the symptom almost everyone has. It does not lift with a good night's sleep or a quiet weekend. Many people assume it is a sign of working too hard.
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Weight gain is another common early clue. The body burns calories more slowly when the thyroid is sluggish, and the pounds can creep on even without changes to diet or exercise.
Low mood or depression often appears before a diagnosis. The American Thyroid Association lists feeling sad or down among the typical signs. People may be treated for depression for years before the thyroid is checked.
Brain fog, forgetfulness and trouble concentrating round out the mental symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic describes it as difficulty with memory and focus that can look like burnout or early aging.
Physical signs that point more clearly to the thyroid
Feeling cold when others are comfortable is one of the more telling signs. Trouble tolerating cold temperatures is a classic hypothyroidism symptom, and it tends to be stronger than ordinary chilliness.
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Dry skin and thinning hair often appear together. The skin can feel coarse and the hair fragile, and both can fail to respond to extra moisturizer or hair care.
A puffy face is one of the more specific signs. Cleveland Clinic describes drooping eyelids and puffiness around the eyes as physical changes doctors look for on exam.
A slowed heart rate and a hoarse voice round out the physical picture. Constipation, muscle aches and heavy or irregular periods are also common in women.
Hypothyroidism is often the result of an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's disease, where the immune system attacks the thyroid.
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How doctors confirm it
A blood test is the only way to know for sure. The test measures thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, which rises when the thyroid is underactive. Doctors may also measure the actual thyroid hormone in the blood.
If several of these signs have been building for weeks or months, consider asking a doctor for a thyroid blood test. Treatment is usually a daily pill that replaces the missing hormone, with a follow-up blood test about 6 to 8 weeks after starting.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.