Low Thyroid Symptoms

The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body. The butterfly-shaped organ is situated in the lower, front of the neck and controls metabolism, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body should be to other hormones. More than 60 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism though many don't know it. This disease is easily treatable once it's diagnosed.

Chronic Fatigue

Even if you've slept eight hours or more you may wake up still feeling tired. You could also find that you need a nap and often feel slow and sluggish; almost as if you have to drag yourself through your daily tasks.

Low Body Temperature

Feeling cold when others are warm is another symptom of a malfunctioning thyroid, as is low body temperature. A simple at-home test to check if you could have a thyroid problem is to take your temperature right after you wake up, before eating or drinking anything. If your body temperature is below 98.0 for three consecutive days, it may point to low thyroid function.

Weight Gain

Those with low functioning thyroids find that they gain weight easily and lose it quite slowly. No matter how many diets you go on or how much you exercise, dropping even a few pounds may be difficult.

Depression and Anxiety

Many people with hypothyroidism experience chronic depression, anxiety and panic attacks. If there's an undiagnosed thyroid problem, even if the patient is given a prescription for antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, the mood swings are still present.

Dry, Itchy Scalp

Along with dry hair, skin, and nails in those with thyroid disease, the scalp is also usually itchy and dry as well. Hair may fall out or break easily, could be coarse and brittle, and is often thin.

Chronic Aches

Joints and muscles are often stiff and sore in those experiencing low thyroid function. The pain is often worse when first getting out of bed in the morning.

Natural and Prescription Treatments

To find out if you have hypothyroidism your doctor will do a blood test. If it comes back positive you could be put on a natural thyroid hormone like Armour, or a synthetic hormone such as Synthroid. Patients who are prescribed thyroid medication ware usually on it for life. Blood tests must be done frequently to get the medication dosage corrected to optimal levels. Most patients recover from their thyroid symptoms within a few months of treatment.

Although not approved by the FDA, some people choose to try natural alternatives to prescriptions drugs. There have been positive reports with the herbs bladderwrack and ashwagandha, and the amino acid L-tyrosine.

Never self-medicate. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, contact your doctor today and set up an appointment to have your thyroid tested.