Symptoms and Complications
Because the hormones T4 and T3 are lacking, the body's metabolic rate and organ functions slow down. Symptoms aren't always obvious, and hypothyroidism may sometimes be mistaken for other diseases.
People with hypothyroidism often experience:
- coarse and dry hair
- cold intolerance
- confusion or forgetfulness (often mistaken for dementia in seniors)
- constipation
- depression
- dry, scaly skin
- fatigue, or feeling sluggish
- hair loss
- increased menstrual flow (women)
- irritability
- muscle cramps
- slower heart rate
- weakness
- weight gain
It is important to note that these symptoms tend to be more subtle in seniors. Seniors may experience symptoms of confusion, anorexia, weight loss, falling, and decreased mobility.
If hypothyroidism isn't treated, the symptoms will progress and, in rare cases, a severe form of hypothyroidism called myxedema will develop. With myxedema, the body temperature drops, anemia occurs, and there is a risk of congestive heart failure. Myxedema coma occurs in some people with severe hypothyroidism who are exposed to some kind of stress, such as an infection, severe cold, trauma, or the use of sedatives. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, slowed breathing, and decreased mental activity.