| Being aware of the risk factors and symptoms for Hypothyroidism and knowing which ones you may have are the best way you can help your health care professional make an accurate diagnosis. Mary Shomon wrote an excellent book entitled Living Well with Hypothyroidism . These lists of risk factors and symptoms are included in her book and expanded upon here.
Risk Factors for Hypothyroidism
Family history of thyroid disease (grandparent, parent, brother, sister, child)
Personally have or had some type of thyroid problem such as thyroid nodules,
Hyperthyroidism or Graves' Disease, Post-Partum Thyroiditis, Goiter, thyroid cancer,
etc. (see the lists on the first page) that was diagnosed and required treatment or
monitoring
Diagnosed with some type of autoimmune disease
Had a baby in the past nine months
Have had one or more miscarriages especially around week 9 or 10
Had part or all of your thyroid gland removed for any reason
Having or had radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid problems or 'Nasal Radium Therapy'
Taking or have taken anti-thyroid drugs for thyroid problems
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Gain weight inappropriately or unable to lose weight even with diets or exercise
Constipated, sometimes severely
Have a low body temperature (feel cold when others feel warm or hot; need extra clothing)
Often and easily feel fatigued, exhausted, run down, sluggish, lethargic, etc.
Hair is rough, coarse, dry, brittle, breaks easily, falling out
Skin problems - rough, coarse, dry, scaly, itchy, thick
Nails dry, brittle, break easily
Voice is hoarse, husky, gravelly
Puffiness around my eyes, eyelids, and face
Pains, aches, stiffness, tingling in joints, muscles, hands, and feet
Have carpal tunnel syndrome that is getting worse
Have irregular menstrual cycles (longer or heavier or more frequent)
Infertility; trouble conceiving a baby
Depressed, restless, moods change easily, feelings of sadness, feelings of worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating, forgetful, difficulty remembering
Losing interest in normal daily activities
Additional Symptoms Reported More Frequently with Hypothyroidism
Low or no sex drive
Getting more frequent infections that last longer; recurrent infections especially sinus, ear,
nose, bronchials, lungs, and bladder
Snoring more lately
Have or may have sleep apnea
Shortness of breath; tightness in chest
Yawn a lot or feel like need to yawn to get oxygen
Eyes feel gritty and dry; eyes sensitive to light; eyes get jumpy; tics in eyes
Strange feelings in neck or throat (pressure, full feeling, choking, lumpy, larger than usual,difficulty swallowing)
Tinnitus (noise, sounds, or ringing in ears)
Dizziness, vertigo, and/or light-headedness with or without headaches
Severe menstrual cramps
Slow pulse and/or low blood pressure
Muscles and joint aches, pains, and/or soreness
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