How long can you have underactive thyroid without knowing?

Because hypothyroidism develops slowly, you may not notice symptoms of the disease for months or even years. Many of these symptoms, especially fatigue and weight gain, are common and do not necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem.

How long can you have an underactive thyroid?

An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you'll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. If you're prescribed levothyroxine because you have an underactive thyroid, you're entitled to a medical exemption certificate.

Can you just develop an underactive thyroid?

Both men and women can have an underactive thyroid, although it's more common in women. Children can also develop an underactive thyroid and some babies are born with it.

Can a slightly underactive thyroid cause symptoms?

If you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), it means your thyroid gland isn't producing enough thyroid hormones. Common symptoms of an underactive thyroid include tiredness, weight gain and depression. Treatment with replacement thyroid hormones usually works well to improve your symptoms.

What happens if hypothyroidism goes undiagnosed?

This condition also is called underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Over time, hypothyroidism that isn't treated can lead to other health problems, such as high cholesterol and heart problems.

Hypothyroidism | Under-Active Thyroid | What All Patients Need to Know

What does untreated hypothyroidism feel like?

Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.

Is it obvious if you have hypothyroidism?

Sometimes the level of hypothyroidism is so slight that there are no obvious symptoms and it can only be detected by blood tests. It may be discovered as a result of blood tests for another autoimmune disorder or because there is a history of thyroid disorders in the family.

What is the main cause of underactive thyroid?

Most cases of an underactive thyroid are caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or by damage that occurs as a result of treatments for thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid.

What age does underactive thyroid start?

Without the right amount of thyroid hormones, your body's natural functions begin to slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism usually affects people over the age of 60 and is more common in women than men. It may be discovered through a routine blood test or after symptoms begin.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

Can thyroid problems develop quickly?

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause a wide range of symptoms, although it's unlikely you'll experience all of them. The symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly.

Is an underactive thyroid reversible?

Treatment for hypothyroidism is fairly straightforward, and involves taking replacement thyroid hormone. While it may take some trial and error to find the right dose of medication, many symptoms of hypothyroidism may be reversed once you do.

What are the stages of hypothyroidism?

There are three types of hypothyroidism: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

What happens if thyroid problems goes untreated?

Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications, including heart disease and nerve damage. In rare cases, it can be fatal. Most people with hypothyroidism have to take thyroid hormone replacement long term. You will need ongoing thyroid level checks to ensure you are on the right dose.

Can thyroid problems be temporary?

Some cases of thyroiditis are temporary and others cause permanent hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It's treatable.

What organs does an underactive thyroid affect?

Hypothyroidism can affect the heart and circulatory system in several ways. Lower production of thyroid hormone slows your heart rate. Hypothyroidism also makes the arteries less elastic, and blood pressure rises in order to circulate blood around the body.

Does stress cause an underactive thyroid?

Stress alone will not cause a thyroid disorder, but it can make the condition worse. The impact of stress on the thyroid occurs by slowing your body's metabolism. This is another way that stress and weight gain are linked.

How common is underactive thyroid?

The prevalence of hypothyroidism is 1-2% (approximately 2 in every 100 people) but some doctors feel that the rate is much higher than this. hypothyroidism is found in 8–10% of the population, is more common in women and increases with age.

How do you beat an underactive thyroid?

What does mild hypothyroidism feel like?

Common early symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexplained weight gain, fatigue and low energy. It also may cause dry skin, constipation, sensitivity to cold, a puffy face, muscle weakness, hoarseness, and joint pain or stiffness. Hypothyroidism can affect the heart by slowing the heart rate.

How does your body feel when you have thyroid problems?

Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

What are the most severe symptoms of hypothyroidism?

What is a dangerously low TSH level?

Mild: Low but detectable TSH level — usually 0.1 to 0.4 mIU/L. This applies to 65% to 75% of people with subclinical hyperthyroidism. Severe: TSH level is less than 0.1 mIU/L.

What makes hypothyroidism worse?

Eating foods that have large amounts of iodine—such as kelp, dulse, or other kinds of seaweed—may cause or worsen hypothyroidism. Taking iodine supplements can have the same effect. If you are pregnant, you need more iodine because the baby gets iodine from your diet.

Does underactive thyroid get worse with age?

The endocrine organs, including the thyroid gland, undergo important functional changes during aging. It is known that the prevalence of thyroid disorders increases with age. Importantly, subclinical disturbances of thyroid function are more frequent than overt diseases in the elderly.