Hypothyroidism slows down the metabolism in the body, usually quite gradually. Hypothyroidism can affect all body functions, and therefore may cause an amazing variety of symptoms. The symptoms vary from mild to severe. Typical symptoms include:
• Weakness, fatigue, somnolence
• Mild weight gain, and difficulty losing weight
• Depression
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• Non-restoring sleep
• Sleep apnea
• Cold intolerance (cold all the time), decreased sweating
• Cold extremities
• Body aches
• Muscle or joint aches, muscle cramps
• Headache
• Swelling of the face and extremities
• Water retention
• Dry skin, coarse skin, eczema
• Hair loss or dry hair
• Brittle nails
• Coarseness of voice and impaired hearing
• Paresthesias (numbness) in hands, feet, or face
• Constipation
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Poor memory
• Poor concentration
• Poor motivation
• Menstrual irregularities
• Heavy menstrual flow
• PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
• Loss of libido
• Infertility, recurrent miscarriage
Of course, each symptom can be due to other causes, but gathered in a single person, a normal function of the thyroid gland is doubtful.