Hypothyroidism is a condition that mainly plagues women that arise out of a hormone deficiency that causes the thyroid gland, an organ located in the base of the neck that controls and regulates the metabolism, to improperly function and slow down, leading to weight gain and other detrimental health effects. Nevertheless, it is sometimes difficult to identify this condition because many of the symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid can be chalked up to old age or occur so gradually that they may be missed altogether. Here is a quick list of common symptoms of hypothyroidism in women:

Fatigue – Often one of the telltale markers of an ongoing condition, fatigue associated with hypothyroidism often sets in after only mild or moderate physical activity. Abnormal fatigue such as this may occur after a walk up the stairs, putting away laundry, running the vacuum cleaner or walking to your car. Often fatigue due to underactive thyroid may be mental as well, resulting in fuzzy or incoherent thinking, problems speaking or comprehending new information or trouble conjugating sentences.

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Sluggishness - Physical activity may be abnormally slow or labored due to hypothyroidism. It may take you more time to climb stairs or to perform simple tasks that you have previously been accustomed to doing in a timely manner. Again, this may also affect mental faculties as well.

Sensitivity to Cold or Heat – Increased sensitivity to cold or heat, especially in the hands, arms, legs and feet, may be a sign of hypothyroidism as these extremities are not receiving proper fuel or body heat.

Muscle Weakness – A more severe symptom of hypothyroidism, feeling physically weak may be a concrete sign that a problem exists. Such symptoms include difficulty lifting weights or objects that you were accustomed to lifting, inability to support yourself running or walking and feeling excessively worn out after mild or moderate activity.

Depression – Often trigger by a lack of calories or calories not being properly utilized, depression associated with hypothyroidism is a form of food deprivation depression. Not receiving sufficient calories has been shown to cause depression and a malfunctioning thyroid can cause your body to mimic these symptoms due to consumed food not being properly spent throughout your body.

Brittle Nails and Hair - Due to the lack of calories consumed being turned into energy, hair and nail growth will begin to stagnate. This means nail and hair growth will be lessened and the time of growth will be expanded. What hair and nail growth does occur will often be reduced in thickness and health compared to previous growth levels.

Weight Gain - Usually the one symptom that receives the most attention, unexpected weight gain can be the leading symptom of an underperforming thyroid due to consumed calories not being expended to fuel the body and instead being transformed and stored as fat. This symptom can be even more glaring when lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are instituted and either have no impact or actually cause more weight gain.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in women will increase in severity over time unless treated. There are plenty of treatment options available to patients who have this condition but seeking medical advice first is highly recommended.