I have an underactive thyroid gland what are some of the most common side effects?

Question

the doctor has put me on synthroid and i dont see a difference he has since increased my dosage .75mcg currently
some times i feel very weird like light headed is the best way i can describe it i have had a lot of other medical tests and have all come back normal has anyone else experienced this

Answer 1

The symptoms of hypothyroidism relate to a general "slowing down" of the body's functions. They include:
feeling tired and sleeping excessively
easily feeling the cold
dry and thickened skin
coarse, thinning hair and eyebrows and brittle nails
sore muscles, slow movements and weakness
depression and problems with memory and concentration
weight gain
constipation
fertility problems and increased risk of miscarriage
heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods
There may also be swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck - a goitre.



Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This tends to slow down the body's functions. Symptoms include tiredness, constipation and sensitivity to the cold.

The thyroid gland is found in the neck. It lies in front of the wind-pipe (trachea), above the level of the collar-bones and measures approximately 2 by 4 cm. It secretes hormones, which are chemicals produced by the body to help regulate how cells, and the organs made up of groups of cells, work. Hormones are sometimes called chemical messengers.

The thyroid hormones are thyroxine (also called T4 because it contains four iodine atoms) and triiodothyronine (also called T3 because it contains three iodine atoms). These are released into the blood stream.

T3 speeds up the body's metabolism by encouraging the cells, in the muscles or the skin for instance, to work faster or to grow. Most of the T3 in the blood is converted from T4.

Over- and underactive thyroid
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is under active, with too little of the thyroid hormones being released. In contrast, hyperthyroidism occurs when there is over-production of T3 and T4, causing the body's metabolism to "speed up". This results in symptoms such as anxiety and feeling hot, even in cool weather. For more information, please see the separate BUPA factsheet Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Hormone production
The production of T3 and T4 is regulated by another hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropin) which is made in the pituitary gland (found in the brain). A normal level of TSH is one of the indicators that the thyroid system is working properly.

Causes of hypothyroidism
Iodine insufficiency
The chemical element iodine is a major component of thyroid hormones. Worldwide, a deficiency of iodine in the diet is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. This is much less common in the UK because iodine is contained in salt, which has iodine added to it during manufacture.

Autoimmune hypothyroidism
In the UK, and other countries where the amount of iodine in the diet is adequate, the main cause of hypothyroidism is "autoimmune hypothyroidism".

Antibodies are proteins designed to defend the body from foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. In autoimmune diseases, antibodies attack the body itself. In autoimmune hypothyroidism, antibodies destroy thyroid gland cells preventing the gland from being able to release normal amounts of thyroid hormones.

A condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism. It results in a goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland, that is visible as a lump on the neck. With no goitre the condition may be called atrophic thyroiditis or primary myxoedema.

Other causes:
Congenital hypothyroidism (a condition babies are born with) happens when the thyroid gland fails to develop properly or does not produce adequate thyroid hormones. All babies in the UK are screened for this when the baby is 6-8 days old with a blood sample taken from a prick on the heel. With treatment, babies with congenital hypothyroidism develop normally.

Inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) due to infection can lead to hypothyroidism. Also, disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, both of which are involved in the overall regulation and production of thyroid hormones, can lead to hypothyroidism.

Risk factors for hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is more common in older people.
Women are more likely to be affected than men.
Autoimmune hypothyroidism is more likely in those who have other conditions resulting from an autoimmune disorder such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, vitiligo and Addison's disease.
Some medicines can affect the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. These include lithium carbonate (for bipolar disorder) and amiodarone (for heart rhythm abnormalities).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can initially be very mild and develop slowly. It is possible to have some of these symptoms before the amount of thyroid hormone drops below normal.

This type of mild hypothyroidism is called subclinical hypothyroidism. People affected need to be monitored by their doctor, who will watch out for further symptoms.

Occasionally, a thyroid problem, such as thyroiditis, can resolve on its own without the need for treatment. However in general, if hypothyroidism is not treated, the symptoms slowly get worse and it becomes more and more difficult to function normally.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
Many of the above symptoms can be caused by conditions other than underactive thyroid. However, anyone who experiences these symptoms should consult their GP. A doctor will usually discuss symptoms, perform a physical examination and then request some blood tests if he or she suspects hypothyroidism.

The first step in diagnosing hypothyroidism is to measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

When the thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone, the TSH level is raised. When this abnormality is found, T4 (thyroxine) is also measured, and in autoimmune hypothyroidism or hypothyroidism due to treatment of hyperthyroidism, T4 is low.

When levels of TSH and thyroid hormones are difficult to interpret, other causes of hypothyroidism may be suspected.

The diagnosis of autoimmune hypothyroidism is usually confirmed by the presence of particular antibodies in the blood.

Other blood tests or further investigations may also be needed. These could include an ECG (heart tracing) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to examine the nature and extent of a goitre.

Treatment
Thyroxine (T4) can be given in tablet form. The body is able to convert this to T3 just as it would if the thyroid gland were producing the thyroxine normally. It can take some time to get the dose right. It is usual to start with a low dose, building up gradually every six weeks and adjusting the dose according to TSH levels.

People usually feel much better once they are taking thyroxine. Side-effects are unusual because a missing hormone is simply being replaced. However, if too much replacement thyroxine is given, symptoms of an overactive thyroid may be experienced.

People with subclinical hypothyroidism may not have any treatment, though doctors vary in their approach. Some prefer to offer treatment. Others recommend frequent monitoring to see whether overt hypothyroidism (with symptoms) does develop.

Once the correct dose of thyroxine replacement has been established, it is usual to have annual checks of TSH.

Pregnancy and hypothyroidism
The functioning of the thyroid gland can change during pregnancy. In the first half of pregnancy it is normal for the total amount of thyroid hormone to be slightly increased.

Women with hypothyroidism need more frequent checks during pregnancy, as their thyroxine requirements tend to increase.

Five percent of women have a mild problem with the thyroid three to six months after delivery. This has an autoimmune cause and can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Although it rarely needs treatment it does mean that thyroid problems are more likely in later life.

Further information
British Thyroid Foundation
0870 7707933
http://www.btf-thyroid.org

Answer 2

If your thyroid gland is producing too little hormone (hypothyroidism), you may feel tired, sluggish, achy, and overly sensitive to cold temperatures. You may be constipated, have dry skin, and have hair that is brittle and breaks easily. You may have fluid retention, irregular menstrual periods, or headaches. Your heart rate may be very slow, and you may gain weight for no apparent reason. Your blood cholesterol level may start to increase despite having the right diet and medications. You might also have an enlarged thyroid gland and puffiness around the eyes. Occasionally, carpel tunnel syndrome can be caused by an underactive thyroid.

Often the symptoms arise gradually. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis by measuring levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.

Answer 3

Your skin and hair will get dry and/or coarse, you will have trouble in hot and cold temperatures, and you will gain weight. Some people also get a more hoarse voice. I've had it for 24 years, and it makes it tough to lose weight, even with the medication. Most likely, they will put you on Synthroid, which is a little pill, and a little goes a long way (I'm still on .1 mg after all this time). You will need to go in for occasional blood tests, especially in the beginning, to make sure your dosage is still correct, and any other medicine which affects your metabolism may affect it, too. There aren't any really severe side effects, beyond the weight gain, but as long as you watch your diet, exercise normally, and TAKE YOUR MEDICINE, you should be fine.

Answer 4

The thyroid is an organ in your body located in your neck. The thyroid is important because it secretes necessary hormones to allow your body to function properly. The thyroid is not a disease, however there are a number of diseases associated with the thyroid. For example, hyperthyrodism is the production of too many hormones, while hypothyroidism is the production of too few hormones. Each individual disease will have it's own side effects and treatments.

Answer 5

Go hear and look, on a low thyroid, you are very sleepy, you gain weight, only if your thyroid is hyper is when you lose weight. I had hyper went from 240 to 120 in a year, but just search under thyroid and read what you come up with, or go to webmd.com Good Luck it's very hard to have and deal with thyroid disease.

Answer 6

the thyroid gland controlls the calcium levels in the body. lack of calcium can cause muscle weakness and generalized fatigue. weight gain can also be an effect.

Answer 7

I hope a qualified medical person told you that! The view has been that if it is underative your fat, if it is over active you are really skinny! The best one to ask is your Doc as you will receive the best advise. Many fat FOLKS CLAIM Thyroid problems, which is false, it's their excuse for being fat. They also claim to be big boned, lolololol, there is a lot fat meat around those bid bones. No one can expect to be thin feeding their face many times a day! It's all about calories and exercise. If your fat, people respect heavy folks who admit that they love food and they are fat! No excuses please! We've heard them all for generations! Enough already! Accept yourself and be happy! Others don't really care what you think, why should you care what they think! If they say your fat, simply say, I sure am and I love it. My daughter is fat, has been all her life, and yes she has had to have her's removed. I told her what I told her and I am proud of her and love her with all my heart! She don't allow folks to bother her and that's wonderful! So please be happy! The others have pretty well filled you in, and that of course is good. So I took another approach! God bless and may you be well always and happy!

Answer 8

Being tired all the time, not be able to lose weight and hair loss is what I've experienced. I've had hypothyroidism for years. Medication helps but it may take awhile to get it regulated. Good luck.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Weight gain (or the inability to lose weight)
Fatigue
Depression
Hair loss

Answer 11

It also makes your skin and nails yucky.The good news is that you can fix it with a pill and you found out...a lot of people never do.