Symptoms

NHS

Many symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) are the same as those of other conditions, so it can easily be confused for something else.

Symptoms usually develop slowly and you may not realise you have a medical problem for several years. Common symptoms include:

  • tiredness
  • being sensitive to cold
  • weight gain
  • constipation
  • depression
  • slow movements and thoughts
  • muscle aches and weakness
  • muscle cramps
  • dry and scaly skin
  • brittle hair and nails
  • loss of libido (sex drive)
  • pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome)
  • irregular periods or heavy periods

Elderly people with an underactive thyroid may develop memory problems and depression. Children may experience slower growth and development. Teenagers may start puberty earlier than normal.

If you have any of these symptoms, see a GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid.

If an underactive thyroid is not treated

It's unlikely that you'd have many of the later symptoms of an underactive thyroid, because the condition is often identified before more serious symptoms appear.

Later symptoms of an underactive thyroid include:

  • a low-pitched and hoarse voice
  • a puffy-looking face
  • thinned or partly missing eyebrows
  • a slow heart rate
  • hearing loss
  • anaemia

Useful resources

The message boards are here to support you whether you are concerned about yourself or...
Cancer Focus NI, Keeping Well vans are mobile drop-in units which bring health checks,...
Kingfisher groups are a confidential, inclusive and welcoming space for anyone suffering...
Solace is a free video-based peer support group hosted over Zoom. It’s for anyone...
You can talk one-to-one with us using our secure instant messaging service. Beat’s...
Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
Raising Resilience is a series of online workshops for carers that take place live over...
The Quick Fit programme offers positive steps to improve your health through diet and...
Nightingale groups are confidential, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for anyone with...
Solace is a free video-based peer support group hosted over Zoom. It’s for anyone...
Swan groups are a confidential, inclusive and welcoming space for anyone with anorexia to...
This idea is a walk in the park. It really is that simple, post a news item to see how...
Fun, fast food for less. This is a practical six-week nutrition programme aimed at...
Fitness tracker
Fitness tracker
Develop healthier eating habits, be more active, and get on track to start losing weight...
The Nike+ Run Club app tracks your run and helps you reach your goals, whether it’s...
Active 10 is a free and easy to use walking app that tracks your walking and shows you...
Fabulous! Is a motivational app that uses challenges to help build physically and...
Nutrition scanner
It’s an easy to follow programme known the world over, and perfect for those new to...
Food diary, exercise tracker and diet coach
Our free Easy Meals app is a great way to eat foods that are healthier for you. You’ll...
Use this calculator to check your body mass index (BMI) and find out if you are a healthy weight. Or, use it to check your child's BMI centile.