Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can cause local inflammation and pressure. Because the larynx is very close to the thyroid gland, the pressure or inflammation may affect the larynx, causing hoarseness of the voice.
A hoarse voice is one of the most common symptoms of large thyroid nodules because they protrude and press against your vocal cords. This not only changes your voice, but it also makes it difficult to swallow and breathe. If you have hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules, you may face some problems beyond a hoarse voice.
Later symptoms of an underactive thyroid include: a low-pitched and hoarse voice.
As the thyroid is destroyed over time, it's unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. This leads to symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), such as tiredness, weight gain and dry skin. The swollen thyroid may also cause a goitre (lump) to form in your throat.
Recent findings: An enlarged thyroid gland, as in thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, or large nodules, can cause compressive symptoms. Malignant nodules invading the recurrent laryngeal nerve and benign nodules compressing the nerve can cause vocal cord paralysis and hoarseness.
If thyroid issues are the cause, the onset of a hoarse voice will be slow and gradual, rendering it undetectable until the later stages of hypothyroidism.
Voice changes may occur even in the cases of mild thyroid failure since thyroid hormone receptors have been found in the larynx, which proves that the thyroid hormone acts on the laryngeal tissue [6]. Hypothyroidism can cause notable voice changes, such as low voice, roughness, reduced range, and vocal fatigue [7].
Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
A lack of thyroid hormones because of hypothyroidism leads to inflammation and trapped fluid in the mucous glands, causing them to swell.
Why is my voice hoarse but my throat doesn't hurt? A hoarse voice without a sore throat can occur when a non-inflammatory condition has caused loss of vocal cord function. This can be caused by overuse like yelling or speaking in an abnormal tone for long periods of time.
The most common causes of chronic hoarseness are: Overusing your voice, which is most common in individuals who use their voices professionally (performing artists, teachers, salespersons and speakers) Persistent bacterial or viral infection. Polyps, cysts or nodules on your vocal cords.
Common side effects of levothyroxine include heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and diarrhea. More serious levothyroxine side effects are also possible. If you experience side effects like tremors or mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
Symptoms of thyroid storm include: Feeling extremely irritable or grumpy. High systolic blood pressure, low diastolic blood pressure, and fast heartbeat. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Most of the extra weight gained in hypothyroid individuals is due to excess accumulation of salt and water. Massive weight gain is rarely associated with hypothyroidism. In general, 5-10 pounds of body weight may be attributable to the thyroid, depending on the severity of the hypothyroidism.
General joint and muscle pains are common when hypothyroidism is not sufficiently treated, and your dosage of thyroid hormone needs to be increased. Joint and muscle weakness and pain, especially in the arms and legs, can be evidence that you need an increased dose of antithyroid drugs for your hyperthyroidism.
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults are fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, change in voice, and dry skin, but the clinical presentation can include a wide variety of symptoms that differ with age, sex, and time between onset and diagnosis (table 1).
Overt hypothyroidism or full-blown disease
The end-stage of Hashimoto's is when your thyroid has become so damaged that you no longer have enough thyroid hormones and have to go on medication.
Myxedema crisis (also called myxedema coma), the most severe form of hypothyroidism, is rare. It occurs when thyroid hormone levels get very, very low.
Does Hypothyroidism Affect Life Expectancy? With proper treatment, a person with hypothyroidism usually has a normal life expectancy, with little or no decrease in quality of life. 1 Hypothyroidism generally carries a greater life expectancy than hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
For people who do have symptoms, they may have trouble swallowing or breathing or have a feeling of fullness, pain, or pressure in the throat or neck. Some people might notice a lump in their neck when they look in the mirror, but this is uncommon.
Frequent coughing and a need to keep clearing your throat. Another symptom of thyroid nodules is a chronic cough, a cough that just won't seem to go away. Like the nodules that cause swallowing symptoms, thyroid nodules that cause the patient to cough are almost always on the back side of the thyroid.