06/11/2025
👉Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid Hormone)
In hypothyroidism, the body’s systems slow down. People often develop loss of hair with coarse, brittle hair, and a puffy face, especially around the eyes (periorbital edema). The thyroid gland itself is usually normal-sized or small.
Because everything slows down, the heart beats slowly (bradycardia) and the person may feel cold all the time. Digestion becomes sluggish, leading to constipation. Muscles can feel weak, and swelling can appear in the arms and legs (extremity edema).
Overall, the metabolism becomes slow and the body becomes less active.
Hyperthyroidism (High Thyroid Hormone)
In hyperthyroidism, the body is overactive and speeds up. The hair becomes thin, and the eyes may bulge (exophthalmos, common in Graves’ disease). The thyroid gland usually becomes enlarged and may feel warm, diffuse, nodular, or have one toxic nodule.
The heart beats rapidly (tachycardia), and the person often experiences weight loss even with normal eating. The digestive system becomes overactive, leading to diarrhea.
The skin feels warm, and the palms may be sweaty. Reflexes become hyperactive (hyperreflexia). Some people develop pretibial edema, a swelling in the front of the lower legs.
