The Progression of Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, has symptoms that are easy to overlook by both the person with the underactive thyroid and their physician. These symptoms start out as very mild, and they are easily attributed to many other causes. You may start out with dry skin. This is easily attributed to the weather, a new soap,or general aging.
Fatigue is another symptom that can easily be attributed to a new job,new baby, or just a lack of sleep. Putting on weight is another symptom. Ew people take careful note of their caloric intake unless they are dieting, and a few pounds is not a cause for concern for many people.
Most people do not realize anything is wrong util they get several hypothyroidism symptoms at once, and the symptoms become more acute. A person can have an underactive thyroid for many months without realizing anything is wrong. These might even be symptoms that a person believes re not worth mentioning to the doctor during a visit.
The symptoms of an underactive thyroid can change I left untreated and progress into flaky skin, depression, a hoarse voice, a puffy face, and a large, thick tongue. At this point, seeing a physician is essential. A hormone therapy treatment should be started before the symptoms progress any further. The hormone treatments take time to start working, so it is essential to get help at once.