What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormone and becomes under-active.

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism usually develops over time and symptoms may appear gradually. The most typical symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:

Weight gain

Tiredness/fatigue

Memory and concentration problems

Sore muscles and slow movements

Dry or pale skin

Constipation

Feeling cold especially on hands and feet

A croaky or hoarse voice

Fertility problems

Slow heart rate.

What causes Hypothyroidism?

A lack of Iodine can limit the amount of thyroid hormones produced from the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency is becoming more common in the UK due to low levels present in soil, iodine deficient diets and an increase in the use of chlorine and fluoride in our water and toothpaste which prevents iodine being utilised by the thyroid gland.

An autoimmune condition called autoimmune thyroiditis is where the thyroid gland is attacked by the body’s immune system. This is the most common form of hypothyroidism in the UK.

Problems with the Hypothalamus or Pituitary gland which link the nervous system to the endocrine system can be involved in hypothyroidism.

Dietary and lifestyle measures for an underactive thyroid

Diet plays an important role in thyroid conditions. Certain cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts and soya contain goitrogens meaning that they inhibit thyroid hormone. However, cooking usually destroys goitrogens. Various nutrient deficiencies need to be addressed as the thyroid relies on several key nutrients in order to function correctly. It is also strongly influenced by stress and other lifestyle factors such as exercise so these would need to be addressed in addition to dietary factors.