Too little thyroid hormone causes an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. This may result in fatigue, lack of energy and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Fatigue is a well-known and common symptom of thyroid disease. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause fatigue. In people with hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive and makes too much thyroid hormone, which can accelerate metabolism as well as heart rate. This can lead to fatigue.
With thyroid fatigue, you may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap. You may sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not even have the energy to exercise. At times, you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night.
Get Smart About Sleep
You might feel run down, even if you're taking medication. Yet all too often, “people with hypothyroidism don't get enough sleep, or the sleep they're getting isn't good quality,” Hatipoglu says. Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night.
The lack of thyroid hormones can cause disturbances in your metabolism, including your heart rate and body temperature. Fatigue, sensitivity to the cold, constipation, dry skin, and unexpected weight gain are among the main symptoms.
You feel warmer than usual, or overheated. Hyperthyroidism can make you feel warmer than usual. If you are wearing shorts and a T-shirt when everyone else is bundling up, this could be a sign of an overactive thyroid. You may also notice that you feel especially overheated after even mild exercise or exertion.
Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness. There are many different causes, the most common in our society being inadequate sleep. This may be due to shiftwork, family demands (such as a new baby), study or social life. Other causes include sleep disorders, medication, and medical and psychiatric illnesses.
Eye problems, known as thyroid eye disease or Graves' ophthalmopathy, affect around 1 in 4 people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves' disease. Problems can include: eyes feeling dry and gritty. sensitivity to light.
Eating foods that have large amounts of iodine—such as kelp, dulse, or other kinds of seaweed—may cause or worsen hypothyroidism. Taking iodine supplements can have the same effect. If you are pregnant, you need more iodine because the baby gets iodine from your diet.
A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.
Acute or infectious thyroiditis
Symptoms may include pain in the throat, feeling generally unwell, swelling of the thyroid gland and, sometimes, symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland or symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland.
Treatment for Hypothyroidism Fatigue
To help treat hypothyroidism, its accompanying fatigue, and other symptoms, the standard treatment usually includes being prescribed the daily hormone replacement medication levothyroxine (Synthroid). The dosage is based on TSH levels as well as the individual's clinical signs.
The release of insufficient thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) may result in low blood pressure and a slowed heart rate, causing dizziness, weakness, lethargy, and chills.
Thyroid hormones also influence the quality of your skin in various ways. For example, with hyperthyroidism, you may notice itchy and dry patches of skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips.
People with hypothyroidism may also have headaches, including pulsing pain, on both sides of the head. In most cases, the headaches subside after the person receives effective treatment for hypothyroidism.
Anyone can get thyroid eye disease, but it's more likely if you have thyroid condition or Graves disease. If you notice that your vision is blurry, or that your eyes are often watery or dry or feel gritty, contact your health provider.
Too much sleep — as well as not enough sleep — raises the risk of chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and obesity in adults age 45 and older. Sleeping too much puts you at greater risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and diabetes than sleeping too little.
Many cases of tiredness are due to stress, not enough sleep, poor diet and other lifestyle factors. Try these self-help tips to restore your energy levels. If you feel you're suffering from fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness that isn't relieved by rest and sleep, you may have an underlying medical condition.
Definition. Silent thyroiditis is an immune reaction of the thyroid gland. The disorder can cause hyperthyroidism, followed by hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just above where your collarbones meet in the middle.
The Thyroid/Energy Link
Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and mood. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, these neurotransmitters become erratic, potentially causing anxiety and panic attacks.