Hypothyroidism has many symptoms that can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism are
- fatigue
- weight gain
- puffy face
- cold intolerance
- joint and muscle pain
- constipation
- dry, thinning hair
- decreased sweating
- heavy or irregular menstrual periods and impaired fertility
- depression
- slowed heart rate
Symptoms more specific to Hashimoto's disease are goiter and a feeling of fullness in the throat.
Hypothyroidism can contribute to high cholesterol. People with high cholesterol should be tested for hypothyroidism. Rarely, severe untreated hypothyroidism may lead to myxedema coma, an extreme form of hypothyroidism in which the body slows to the point that it becomes life-threatening. Myxedema requires immediate medical treatment.
Further Reading
Source: National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service