Other internal symptoms | Symptoms of hypothyroidism

Other internal symptoms

In the context of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), the reduced energy metabolism and a direct inhibition of the heart activity usually leads to a decrease in the heart rate (so-called bradycardia). Tachycardia, on the other hand, is more likely to be observed when the thyroid gland is overactive. Due to the reduced heartbeat, there is a risk of blood congestion in front of the heart and the symptoms of cardiac insufficiency in cases of hypothyroidism.

Overall, the heart appears enlarged. In addition, patients with hypothyroidism often have low blood pressure. Increased tremor is particularly common in patients with hyperthyroidism.

In addition, patients are characterized by psychomotor agitation and increased irritability. The tremor typically increases when the hand is grasped or when the hand approaches a target. The occurrence of hypothyroidism is rather untypical and occurs only in very rare cases.

Another rare symptom of hypothyroidism is a tingling sensation in the area of the skin surface, which is often experienced as unpleasant by those affected. This occurs more frequently in the arms and legs. Many patients also report an increase in symptoms during the night.

Sometimes the tingling alternates with a numbness in the affected skin area. In addition to the tingling sensation, other sensations are possible. As numerous studies in recent years have shown, there is a connection between hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus.

According to these studies, patients with hypothyroidism have a significantly increased tendency to develop hypoglycemia. This is due to the fact that thyroid hormones (T3/T4) are responsible, among other things, for the release of sugar from the storage reserves via various metabolic pathways. A lack of thyroid hormones therefore leads to a reduced concentration of glucose in the blood and at the same time increases the risk of hypoglycaemia.

A therapeutic normalization of thyroid function is therefore urgently needed in diabetes patients. You can find an overview of edema and its causes here: Causes of edema patients with hypothyroidism also often report a significantly reduced thirst. As a result, the patient is unable to maintain the recommended drinking quantity of 2 liters per day.

The hypothyroid gland underfunction leads to water retention in the human body. As a result, swelling (edema) occurs mainly on the face, eyelids, arms and legs. Due to the accumulation of water in the body, the person affected has a reduced sensation of thirst.