How Low Thyroid Levels Affect Your Life

The thyroid is a gland in the neck, below the Adam’s apple. It helps regulate protein production, energy use and how sensitive the body is to other signals.

Low levels of thyroid hormones

Hypothyroidism means the body is not producing enough thyroid hormones, including T3 and T4. It can cause a variety of symptoms. Low thyroid levels are common. It is estimated that around 10 million Americans have this condition. Thyroid disorders are more common in women, and as many as 10% of women may have some form of thyroid problem.

Hypothyroidism symptoms and signs

Symptoms vary. Some people have one main symptom, while others have several mild symptoms. Some people have no symptoms.

1. Severe fatigue and low energy: You may feel tired, restless or drained.

2. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight: A slower thyroid can slow metabolism and contribute to unexplained weight gain or changes in body shape.

3. Dry skin and brittle nails: Itchy, dry, or cracked skin patches, new wrinkles, and weak nails could be indicators of an imbalance in your thyroid hormones.

4. Hair loss, brittle hair and an itchy scalp can occur with thyroid problems. Hair may stay in the resting phase longer, leading to thinning or loss and sometimes early graying.

5. Puffiness in the face, especially around the eyes, and in the extremities.

6. Lower body temperature and increased sensitivity to cold. Thyroid hormones influence body temperature.

7. Lower sex drive. Low thyroid levels can reduce desire and affect reproductive hormones.

Hypothyroidism: What causes it?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Its most common cause in the United States is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition. In Hashimoto’s, inflammation damages the cells of the thyroid gland so it can’t produce enough hormone. Iodine deficiency is another possible cause.

Iodine deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough iodine from food. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production. A deficiency can enlarge the thyroid gland or cause intellectual disability in children and infants whose mothers were deficient during pregnancy.

Low thyroid levels can be treated

If you have hypothyroidism symptoms, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a thyroid blood test. If iodine deficiency is the cause, a clinician may recommend foods high in selenium and iodine.