Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that regulates your body’s metabolism. When it’s underactive, also called hypothyroidism, you may experience various symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, and dry skin. Stress can also trigger these symptoms, so it’s essential to be aware of them and seek medical help if they persist. Understanding the signs of an underactive thyroid can help you get the treatment you need to feel better.
Many people may not realize that alcohol can also have an effect on your thyroid health. Alcohol consumption changes the way your body makes use of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating energy levels and metabolism. The long-term effects of alcohol consumption on thyroid function are unclear, however, it’s important to know that drinking can lead to hypothyroidism.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is an illness in which the amount of thyroid hormone in your circulation is insufficient, resulting in a sluggish metabolism.
Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid does not produce and discharge enough thyroid hormone into your body. This has a detrimental impact on your entire body’s metabolism. Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid disease, is quite common.
When thyroid hormones become extremely low, a patient may develop myxedema. It is a severe condition that may produce severe symptoms, including:
- Anemia
- Coma
- Confusion
- Low body temperature
- Heart Failure
Myxedema is a severe type of hypothyroidism that is life-threatening.
In general, hypothyroidism is a manageable condition. It may be handled with standard medications and periodic check-ups with your doctor.
What Causes an Underactive Thyroid?
Thyroid disease can have a primary or a secondary cause. A primary reason is an issue that directly affects the thyroid and causes it to produce insufficient levels of thyroid hormones. A secondary cause is anything that inhibits the pituitary gland from sending thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to the thyroid, causing the thyroid to become unbalanced.
Thyroiditis is a very uncommon occurrence.
Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease, is the most prevalent primary cause. This illness, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is hereditary (transmitted through a family).
In Hashimoto’s disease, the body’s immune system wages war on and destroys the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone production and release are inadequate when this occurs.
The following are some of the most typical causes of hypothyroidism:
- Inflammation of the thyroid (Thyroiditis)
- Thyroid hormone treatment (radioactive and surgical excision of the thyroid)
- Iodine insufficiency is a condition in which there isn’t enough (a mineral your thyroid uses to produce hormones) in your body.
- A variety of hereditary diseases (a medical condition inherited by your family)
Thyroiditis can also occur after childbirth as postpartum thyroiditis or a viral infection, in which case it is known as post-infection thyroiditis.
Must Read: Hashimoto’s Flare up Symptoms | Ldn Hashimoto’s
Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid
Hypothyroidism signs generally develop gradually over time, although they can appear quickly. They include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Soreness of the body and muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Numbness and tingling in your hands
- Higher than normal blood cholesterol levels.
- The voice becomes lower and hoarser.
- Feeling depressed
- Being unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
- More forgetful (“brain fog”).
- Dry, coarse skin and hair
- Decreased sexual interest
- Menstrual irregularities such as having frequent and heavy periods are a common occurrence.
- You may notice the following physical changes if you’re a male or a feminine: Weeping eyelids, puffiness around the eyes and face, and sagging skin.
Is There a Link Between Stress and An Underactive Thyroid?
Stress is a word that is becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s world. Not only can chronic stress harm your general health and well-being, but it may also damage your thyroid.
Stress and hypothyroidism
Your thyroid and adrenal glands work together. The adrenal glands, positioned above your kidneys, can tolerate modest amounts of stress well. They release cortisol when you are under pressure, helping to improve several bodily processes.
The thyroid gland, however, is more sensitive to stress. When you experience prolonged or chronic stress, the adrenal glands may start to compensate by sending out more cortisol. It can eventually lead to the over-activity of the adrenal glands and a subsequent decline in thyroid function.
Chronic stress can also trigger Hashimoto’s disease. The body’s immune system could target the thyroid gland, which would cause it to release less thyroid hormone.
Insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances are frequently linked to hypothyroidism. TSH levels in the blood fall as a result of increased glucocorticoids. More so, a delicate equilibrium between stress hormones and cortisol is required for optimal thyroid function. If the delicate balance between stress hormones and cortisol is disturbed, your thyroid symptoms may worsen.
Lab tests can’t always tell the whole story about how you’re feeling, and drugs can’t always keep up with the changes that stress wreaks. For years, chronic stress may affect your body before lab tests reveal a problem.
While your thyroid hormones do not decline, you may still experience hypothyroid symptoms, such as tiredness or weight gain. When both are actual hypothyroid symptoms, a stress-induced mood swing can appear as depression or anxiety.
Dry skin and Hives as Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid
Two main types of skin disorders can occur in hypothyroidism sufferers: dry skin and hives. Although these symptoms don’t typically indicate hypothyroidism, they are common in people who have the condition.
Dry skin is a prevalent symptom of hypothyroidism and can result from low levels of thyroid hormones. The skin may become itchy, scaly, or inflamed.
Hives, also known as urticaria, are red, itchy welts that appear on the skin. They are generally caused by an allergic reaction but can also be a symptom of thyroid disease.
What to do if you have dry skin or hives due to hypothyroidism?
Thyroid hormones are necessary for the proper functioning of all cells in the body. When thyroid hormone levels are low, as can happen with hypothyroidism (a condition with too few thyroid hormones), a variety of symptoms might be experienced. It can range from skin irritations and disorders that may be unpleasant and even disabling to more generalized symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain.
The good news is that you can do things to control these signs and symptoms. The skin problems associated with hypothyroidism are typically the same as those without it.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to manage the symptoms will vary from person to person. However, some tips that may be helpful include:
Find a Moisturizer that Is Appropriate for You.
Choose those that come in jar or tub than moisturizers from a pump. Alcohol and additives may be present in pump moisturizers, making them less effective.
Also, take a look at the ingredients list. Dermatologists recommend the use of ammonium lactate or urea. These are keratolytic, which means they help break down the dead outer layer of skin. It removes flaky “alligator skin” and allows the moisturizers to go deeper into the skin to be more effective.
Opt for Mild Bath Products
When it comes to soaps and body washes, the minor irritant, the better. Only use mild soap on the groin and armpits. Soap is not necessarily required elsewhere and can be extremely drying. All antibacterial soaps are highly drying, and they aren’t usually necessary for most individuals. In abrasive body washes, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers that include emollients instead.
Opt for Simple Yet Effective Products
Some of the most effective moisturizers are also the simplest to use. Immediately after showering, dermatologists recommend that people with dehydrated skin apply natural oils like coconut oil all over their bodies. Allow it to soak for a few moments before rinsing away the surplus water with a towel. It helps lock in moisture while also moisturizing the skin.
Petroleum jelly is thicker and more hydrating than creamy lotions, is another great, simple choice.
Limit Shower Time
Showering or bathing too often or for too long dehydrates your skin faster, promoting the development of additional skin issues. Bathing increases the risk of open wounds and fissures by thinning and drying out your skin, making it more vulnerable to germs. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, showers should be kept to a few minutes. Warm, not hot, water is preferable. After showering, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer as soon as possible.
Use a humidifier if necessary.
According to dermatologists, hand washing, showers, and other forms of contact with excessive soap should be avoided as much as possible. It would help if you considered utilizing a humidifier, which can benefit the skin. One of the most efficient methods to maintain moisture is to install a humidifier in your space at night.
Visit a dermatologist if you have persistent redness, irritation, or sensitivity
If these measures do not help, see a dermatologist get an ointment or cream. Over-the-counter therapies might not work in some situations if the skin is excessively itchy, which might be a symptom of eczema. Visit a dermatologist if your skin is red, flaky, weeping, or irritable. If eczema is not treated with prescription ointments in the future, it might become infected.
Must Read: Food to Be Avoided in Hypothyroidism
Reducing Stress Can Help Manage Symptoms that Come with an Underactive Thyroid
It’s essential to manage stress levels, as stress can aggravate the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Here are some stress relief tips that can help in overall stress reduction and improve thyroid health:
Eating Right
Each person’s diet might be different. In general, strive for three well-balanced meals each day: fruits, vegetables, and protein. Every morning, begin your day with a hearty breakfast low in sugar but high in protein and fiber. If you decrease your alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake, you’ll be more energetic. Choose unprocessed whole foods as much as possible and avoid processed meals.
It would help if you also thought about how you’re eating. Make sure to take the time to sit and enjoy a meal, which will aid your body’s digestion. While this may seem difficult in your hectic schedule, your body and thyroid will thank you for it.
Exercise Regularly
Aim for thirty minutes of exercise each day. Exercise releases serotonin and endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and can help to reduce stress levels. Choose an activity that you enjoy and make sure to stick with it; if it’s effective, you’ll likely stick with it.
Exercise is also vital for weight loss, which can help with thyroid health. All of this is an even more incentive to prioritize training in your busy life.
Get Plenty of Rest and Sleep
One of the worst things you can do when you’re stressed is skimp on sleep.
With hypothyroidism, getting enough rest at night might be tough. Stress makes it more challenging to get a good night’s sleep. However, achieving a good night’s sleep has significant implications for thyroid health.
Getting in a hot shower or bath, drinking a cup of warm milk, or taking some slow deep breaths can all help get you to sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. You’ll wake up refreshed and rejuvenated if you do this regularly.
Don’t Forget to Take Your Vitamins
You might want to consider taking thyroid-supporting vitamins and minerals daily. An iodine deficit may cause hypothyroidism. Consider adding other essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
- Iron for anemia
- Zinc to boost your immune system
- Selenium for healthy hair, skin, and nails
If you have a specific vitamin or mineral deficiency, taking a daily multivitamin may also be beneficial. You can find special support supplements in most health stores.
Relax
Taking time to relax can aid in the body’s relaxation. As a result, stress and damage to your thyroid are reduced.
There are several ways to unwind. For some people, creating things helps to relax their bodies. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply being outside are enough for others.
You may not be able to remove stress from your life, but eating nutritious meals, adding vitamins and minerals, getting enough rest, and attempting some stress-reducing techniques can all aid in the maintenance of your general health as well as your thyroid.
Summary
An underactive thyroid can be accompanied by many symptoms, the most common being dry skin, hives, and stress. Stress can aggravate the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, so it is crucial to find ways to reduce stress in your life.
The first step toward controlling your thyroid symptoms is to visit a doctor for an examination. An average amount of thyroid hormone means that it’s functioning well, but some people have too much or too little of the hormone.
If you’re worried about your symptoms or if they persist, be sure to consult with a doctor. An underactive thyroid can often be treated effectively with medication and changes in lifestyle habits.
