What are the symptoms and signs of Hypothyroidism?

The symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism include:

• Weight gain and change in appearance with a deep voice
• Cold intolerance
• Goitre
• Mental changes - ranging from depression to madness (myxoedema madness)
• Coma
• Constipation
• Menstrual irregularity
• Deafness
• Poor libido
• Hair loss
• Coarse dry skin with puffy eyes
• Joint pains
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Leg swelling, due to heart failure
• Hypothermia in winter
• Muscle weakness.

How is the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism confirmed?

The problem with making the diagnosis is thinking of it. The symptoms and signs progress slowly over the years. In primary hypothyroidism the TSH is raised with a low T4 and T3. In secondary hypothyroidism the TSH is low with a low T3 and T4.