What do your hands look like if you have hypothyroidism?

Author: Nikki Ward  |  Last update: Saturday, May 20, 2023

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism can show up in the hands and nails. Hypothyroidism can cause dermatologic findings such as nail infection, vertical white ridges on the nails, nail splitting, brittle nails, slow nail growth, and nails lifting up.

What does hypothyroidism do to hands?

People with hypothyroidism may have the following symptoms: cold hands. pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers known as carpal tunnel syndrome. brittle fingernails.

Can hypothyroidism change your appearance?

“Hypothyroidism can affect facial features in many different ways, including facial puffiness, loss of hair from the outer part of the eyebrows, and in particular, swelling around the eyes,” says Ronald Lechan, MD, PhD, endocrinologist and co-director of the Hypothalamic and Pituitary Disease Center at Tufts Medical ...

What is the number one symptom of hypothyroidism?

Thyroid gland

Problems tend to develop slowly, often over several years. At first, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and weight gain.

What do hypothyroid fingernails look like?

Curved nails with swollen fingertip

A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.

SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE A LOW THYROID LEVEL - Hypothyroidism Symptoms

What part of the body itches with thyroid problems?

Thyroid hormones also influence the quality of your skin in a variety of ways. With hyperthyroidism, you may notice itchy and dry patches of skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips.

How does hypothyroidism change your face?

Hypothyroidism is underactivity of the thyroid gland that leads to inadequate production of thyroid hormones and a slowing of vital body functions. Facial expressions become dull, the voice is hoarse, speech is slow, eyelids droop, and the eyes and face become puffy.

What are the most severe symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Symptoms
  • Hard stools or constipation.
  • Feeling cold (wearing a sweater when others are wearing a t-shirt)
  • Fatigue or feeling slowed down.
  • Heavier and irregular menstrual periods.
  • Joint or muscle pain.
  • Paleness or dry skin.
  • Sadness or depression.
  • Thin, brittle hair or fingernails.

What can trigger hypothyroidism?

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 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.

What does skin look like with hypothyroidism?

In hypothyroidism, the skin tends to be pale both because of the dermal mucopolysaccharides and dermal water content. In addition, increased dermal carotene may appear as a prominent yellow hue on the palms, soles and nasolabial folds.

What is thyroid eyes?

Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward ('staring' or 'bulging' eyes).

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 are 3 symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Common symptoms include:
  • tiredness.
  • being sensitive to cold.
  • weight gain.
  • constipation.
  • depression.
  • slow movements and thoughts.
  • muscle aches and weakness.
  • muscle cramps.

How long can you have hypothyroidism 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.

What should be avoided with hypothyroidism?

To help control hypothyroidism and keep symptoms at bay, avoid these habits:
  • Missing your thyroid medication. ...
  • Using different brands of thyroid medication. ...
  • Traveling without your thyroid medication. ...
  • Mixing food with your thyroid medication. ...
  • Eating soy with your thyroid medication. ...
  • Not managing your weight.

What foods should you avoid if you have hypothyroidism?

5 foods to avoid with hypothyroidism
  • Soy-based foods. It's possible that foods containing soy, such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame, can interfere with the way your body absorbs thyroid medication, according to the Mayo Clinic. ...
  • Cruciferous and leafy green vegetables. ...
  • Millet. ...
  • Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. ...
  • Gluten.

What viruses cause hypothyroidism?

Direct evidence of the presence of viruses in Hashimoto's thyroiditis has been found with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Herpes Simplex (HSV), HTLV-1, enterovirus, mumps, rubella, parvovirus, Coxsackie B, Human Herpes and Hepatitis C.

What is a major complication of hypothyroidism?

In very rare cases, a severe underactive thyroid may lead to a life-threatening condition called myxoedema coma. This is where the thyroid hormone levels become very low, causing symptoms such as confusion, hypothermia and drowsiness. Myxoedema coma requires emergency treatment in hospital.

How do I know if my underactive thyroid is getting worse?

General joint and muscle pains are common when hypothyroidism is not sufficiently treated, and your dosage of thyroid hormone needs to be increased. Joint and muscle weakness and pain, especially in the arms and legs, can be evidence that you need an increased dose of antithyroid drugs for your hyperthyroidism.

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.

Does hypothyroidism mess with your eyes?

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) isn't usually associated with eye disease. In severe cases, however, hypothyroidism may cause swelling around the eyes and a loss of the hairs in the outer part of the eyebrows.

Does hypothyroidism make you look older?

If your thyroid gland is under active, this usually causes your skin to become dry. Fine lines and wrinkles appear earlier and are more noticeable. It is well known that an under active thyroid gland will age you more rapidly.

Does hypothyroidism mess with your head?

Hypothyroidism is common in adults and is frequently associated with cognitive issues, such as increased forgetfulness, mental slowing and “brain fog”.

What are signs that your thyroid isn't working properly?

But those with symptoms can experience a puffy face, sluggishness, weight gain, feeling cold, a slowed heart rate, constipation, depression, and thinning hair. Not everyone has the same symptoms, so make sure to talk with your health care provider if you think you have hypothyroidism.

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