Hypothyroidism is often thought of as being a disease which is easily treated, however in most cases the patient can be suffering from various symptoms for a long time before the disease is actually detected and diagnosed. In fact, if left untreated for too long the results can be fatal. The patient will usually experience several symptoms which can be accompanied by an irregular heartbeat. This can then progress into a coma and then sadly death.

For this reason it is important to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism so that the best possible treatment can be taken. In some cases an under active thyroid can be treated completely if the cause is detected and detected early. In other cases, the patient is required to follow a specific treatment for the rest of their lives but the disease will remain under control.

Many symptoms of hypothyroidism are similar to those of other illnesses and ailments, so whenever in doubt it is also best to go along to your health care provider and get a blood test taken. That way you can either confirm or eliminate the possibility of hypothyroidism.

Some of the most common signs of an under active thyroid include: general malaise, fatigue, aches and pains in particular muscle pain, joint pain, irritability, depression, mood swings, constipation, sore throat, brittle nails, poor circulation and feeling cold all the time, irregular heartbeat, feeling dizzy, memory loss and feeling of dizziness and double vision.

Of course symptoms will and can vary from person to person and for this reason it is always advisable to have a blood test to confirm possible hypothyroidism. If hypothyroidism is diagnosed, the appropriate treatment will be given. An under active thyroid can at times resolve itself, if it has occurred due to a particular medication or temporary illness. However, in those cases where treatment is long term, patients are given an adjustment of the dose of thyroid hormones which is lacking.