Hypothyroidism
This occurs when the thyroid produces too little hormones to distribute to the whole body, and this causes certain parts of the body to malfunction. Symptoms may not be so noticeable at the early stages, as some are not as common. So, what are some of these symptoms?
“My eyebrows have been thinning, and I’m suspecting it to be hypothyroidism because I have a thyroid condition like hypothyroidism. However, it’s the ONLY symptom I am having right now. Is thinning eyebrows only a precursor for worser symptoms, or should I be experiencing more than just that?” Wt87745 / Reddit
1. Eyebrow hair loss
An eyebrow will usually lose hair at the outer corner of the eyebrow – the part closest to the ear, due to hypothyroidism. Thyroid-related hair loss is often not permanent, and the hair should regain its fullness once thyroid levels return to normal.
2. Thick, dry, brittle nails
A person’s fingernails and toenails may vary in appearance and health due to thyroid issues. Nails can grow more or less swiftly, they could change their appearance, including ridges and shine and alterations in texture, such as brittle nails that lift off the bed.
3. Memory Problems
Mentally, thyroid disease — hypothyroidism — doesn’t release enough hormones to the mind, creating a mental fatigue whereby a person can’t easily retain information.
4. Cold feet
Due to a metabolism that is slower than normal, the body’s temperature decreases, causing cold hands or feet. An underactive thyroid may also cause the feet’s soles to develop dry, cracked heels. Skin may appear leathery in texture and look, or may develop deep, painful cracks.
Diet and Nutrition
- Iodine is used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. However, if you have Hashimoto’s disease or other autoimmune thyroid problems, you may be more susceptible to iodine’s negative side effects. Eating foods high in iodine, such as kelp, dulse, and other types of seaweed, may cause or aggravate hypothyroidism. Taking iodine supplements can produce the same effect.
- Pregnant women: Because a fetus receives iodine from the mother’s diet, pregnant women require more iodine during pregnancy.
Age and Gender
- Women over 60 are more likely to develop a thyroid condition.
- Infants can develop hypothyroidism. Most newborns born without or with a malfunctioning thyroid gland do not exhibit symptoms immediately, but if hypothyroidism is not detected and treated quickly, symptoms such as feeding issues, poor growth, poor weight gain, jaundice (a disorder characterized by yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), constipation, poor muscular tone, dry skin, crying in a raspy voice, an enlarged tongue and a soft swelling or bulging near the belly button, sometimes known as an umbilical hernia can develop.
When an infant’s hypothyroidism is not treated, it can develop into serious physical and mental development issues. - Teens: Children and adolescents with hypothyroidism can experience all the common symptoms but, they may also have poor growth causing a small stature, slow development of permanent teeth, delayed puberty and poor cognitive development.
