Hypothyroidism: Causes and Symptoms

Published at 17 October 2024

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder that leads to symptoms such as: weight gain, fatigue and general exhaustion, increased sensitivity to cold, and feelings of sadness and depression. (1) Discover the causes of hypothyroidism and its symptoms in detail.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Hypothyroidism symptoms develop over years and vary in sophistication and severity based on the degree. (6) Here are the detailed symptoms of hypothyroidism according to age group:

Symptoms in adults

Hypothyroidism symptoms in adults include the following: (6)

General fatigue and exhaustion.
Increased sensitivity to cold.
Constipation.
Skin dryness.
Overweight.
Roughness and hoarseness of the voice.
Roughness of hair and skin.
Muscle weakness.
Muscle pain and stiffness.
Heavy or irregular menstruation.
Hair weakness and thinning.
Bradycardia.
Depression.
Problems with memory and concentration.
Face edema and swelling.

Symptoms in adolescents and children

Adolescents and children experience the same symptoms as adults, and symptoms may also include: (6)

Problems with growth and development that lead to short stature.
Delayed puberty.
Delayed growth of permanent teeth.
Poor growth and mental development.

Symptoms in infants

Hypothyroidism symptoms do not appear in infants immediately after their birth, but symptoms begin to appear gradually if the problem is not diagnosed and treated early, leading to delayed physical and mental development of the infant. Therefore, thyroid analysis is considered one of the mandatory tests that all newborns undergo after birth. Here are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants: (5)

Poor growth.
Constipation.
Not gaining weight.
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Skin dryness.
Nutrition problems.
Muscle weakness (Myasthenia).
Crying hoarsely.
Enlarged tongue.
A tender swelling near the navel (umbilical hernia).

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Causes of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland does not produce enough of its hormones to meet the body's needs to perform many functions. (2)

The cause of hypothyroidism is often the immune system attacking the thyroid gland by mistake. It may also occur due to prior treatment of the thyroid gland with surgery or radiation, or other less common causes and factors. Here is an explanation of these reasons:

Hashimoto's disease

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid cells by mistake, which leads to a decline in their ability to secrete their hormones normally. (1)

The accurate causes of Hashimoto's disease are not completely clear, but it has a genetic factor. It spreads among members of the same family and individuals who suffer from other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid, vitiligo, Sjögren's syndrome, and others. (7)(8)

Prior treatment of the thyroid gland with surgery or radiation

Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid gland or treatment with radioactive iodine can result in a decline in the thyroid gland's ability to produce its hormones or a complete cessation of its production. These treatments are usually used for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer. (3)(4)

Other reasons

Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis can occur due to viral infections or autoimmune diseases that affect the function of the thyroid gland, and other factors. (2)

Some medications: Hypothyroidism may be caused by the use of some medications, especially for those who have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune thyroid diseases. Examples include: (3)(9)

Amiodarone (trade name Cordarone): It is a drug to regulate the heart rhythm.

Lithium: used to treat some mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder.

Some cancer medications.

Pituitary gland disorders: The pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and damage to it can lead to hypothyroidism. (4)

Pregnancy: Some women develop hypothyroidism during pregnancy or during the first months after childbirth. (5)

Iodine deficiency in the body: Iodine is an important element for the production of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency leads to hypothyroidism. (5) But currently, iodine deficiency in the body is rare because table salt has been fortified with iodine to prevent the problem.

Congenital hypothyroidism: It is one of the rare causes of hypothyroidism and occurs due to a defect in the formation of the thyroid gland during the development of the fetus during pregnancy. (5)