Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Signs & Early Detection

Hypothyroidism is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormone. It affects about 13 million people in the United States, about 90 percent of whom are women.

Skin Symptoms

• Some skin-related symptoms of hypothyroidism are noticeable long before clinical detection, including a yellow-orange coloration (particularly on the palms), yellow bumps on the eyelids, and dry, scaly skin.

Emotional Symptoms

• Hypothyroidism may cause depression, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and anxiety.

Sluggishness

• Hypothyroidism can cause slow movement, thinking, and learning, slowed circulation and slow heart rate.

Low Energy

• Common early signs of hypothyroidism are fatigue, waking up tired, poor digestion, and not enough energy to make it through the day.

Body Temperature

• An early sign of hypothyroidism is low body temperature, causing chilliness, cold hands and feet and low armpit temperature.