Can you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism?

Can you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism?

Myxedema. This rare, life-threatening condition is the result of long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Its signs and symptoms include intense cold intolerance and drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and unconsciousness. A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on your body.

What are the symptoms of underactive thyroid in women?

Thinning hair Hair loss is one of the most feared underactive thyroid symptom in women. It occurs when the thyroid hormones are unbalanced, and can actually happen during both hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive).

How many people are undiagnosed with underactive thyroid?

Estimates suggest it affects up to 8.5% of people from Western countries, and around 20 million Americans ( 1 ). What’s more worrying, however, is that up to 60% of people are undiagnosed, often because we don’t realise what the symptoms of an underactive thyroid are.

When to see a doctor for underactive thyroid?

Contact your doctor if you’re being treated for an underactive thyroid and you develop chest pain, so that any problems can be detected and treated, if necessary. Goitre. A goitre is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland that causes a lump to form in the throat.

What happens when your thyroid is overactive or underactive?

It occurs when the thyroid hormones are unbalanced, and can actually happen during both hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive). In a study of 100 women experiencing hair loss, researchers estimated that hypothyroidism was responsible for 10% of participants (13).

Thinning hair Hair loss is one of the most feared underactive thyroid symptom in women. It occurs when the thyroid hormones are unbalanced, and can actually happen during both hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive).

Is it more common for women to have thyroid problems?

Still, you need to stay on top of whatever symptoms you do experience because thyroid disease is way, way, more common among women. One in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime, according to the American Thyroid Association, and women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

Can a thyroid problem go undiagnosed for a long time?

“Thyroid conditions can do undiagnosed for a long period of time,” says Valentina Rodriguez, M.D., an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health. “Symptoms vary from person to person, and can come on suddenly or very gradually, so they’re hard to detect.”

Is it common for thyroid to be misdiagnosed?

But they’re so far behind the times today when it comes to proper thyroid diagnosis and treatment. And until they get up to speed on many of these common thyroid symptoms and what causes them… thyroid misdiagnosis will continue to be a major problem for thyroid sufferers all over.