A double chin is common and can be caused by changes in your thyroid or other factors. It's generally nothing to be worried about. If you're experiencing other symptoms that could indicate problems with your thyroid, talk to your doctor to see if you need further assessment and treatment.
There are various medical conditions that may contribute to a double chin. Some of these include an underactive thyroid, Cushing's disease, kidney disorders, salivary gland inflammation and a sinus infection.
Does Hypothyroidism Cause Fat Face? A lack of thyroid hormone can be associated with facial swelling, though not everyone with hypothyroidism experiences this symptom. Facial puffiness is most common in advanced hypothyroidism.
A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid.
An underactive thyroid can also result in puffiness, swelling, and fluid retention. Hyperthyroidism generally results in weight loss making it less likely to cause a double chin. However, hyperthyroidism can be associated with thyroid swelling (goiter), which could create the appearance of a double chin.
What is thyroid eye disease (TED)? TED is an autoimmune disease in which the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye become inflamed. This inflammation can push the eyes forward (“staring” or “bulging”) or cause the eyes and eyelids to become red and swollen.
A goitre is a lump or swelling at the front of the neck caused by a swollen thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that makes hormones. Goitres are not usually serious but should be checked by a GP.
In hypothyroidism, the time it takes for the skin cells to turn over increases. Because of this, your old cells stay on your skin longer. This will cause your skin to start feeling dry, rough, and scaly. You may start to notice wrinkles appearing or your skin starting to sag.
The appearance of your tongue may indicate whether or not your altered taste buds stem from a thyroid issue. A healthy tongue is slightly pink, moist, and mostly smooth. If your tongue is dry, discolored, coated, or painful, you may suffer from hypothyroidism.
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.
Sensitive Skin and Skin Discoloration
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.
Low levels of vitamin K2 result in calcification of elastin, the cause of double chins, piles and varicose veins.
While people typically have some control over their weight and posture, other factors that are out of a person's control can contribute to a double chin. This includes a person's genetics, because having a family history of poor skin elasticity or extra fat storage under the chin can often be inherited.
Low thyroid levels often lead to droopy eyelids or having a puffy and swollen face. Furthermore, little to no eyebrows can also signal hypothyroidism, as hair loss is also associated with the condition.
A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.
Common symptoms are fatigue, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, hair loss, "brain fog," skin dryness, nail changes, and menstrual cycle changes (typically irregular cycling). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a common concern because hormonal changes and genetics can lead to fat tissue accumulation in the chin area.
Additionally, reducing your sodium intake and avoiding starchy carbs – especially the processed carbs like crackers and chips – will go a long way toward easing water retention. It's also recommended that you up your citrus intake, because they're a natural diuretic that rids the body of excess water.
Generally, people begin to notice weight loss about three to six months after hitting a therapeutic dose of their medication. People lose about five to ten pounds on thyroid medication or less than 10% of their body weight.