By Michael B. Schachter, MD, FACAM Introduction One of the most under diagnosed and important conditions in the United States has been called the “unsuspected illness” and accounts for a great number of complaints in children, adolescents, and adults. This condition is an underactive thyroid system. What kinds of complaints characterize an underactive thyroid system? Low energy and fatigue or tiredness, especially in the morning, is frequent in these patients. Difficulty losing weight, a sensation of coldness–especially of the hands and feet, depression, slowness of thought processes, headaches, swelling of the face or fluid retention in general, dry coarse skin, brittle nails, and chronic constipation are also common. In women, menstrual problems–such as PMS and menstrual irregularities including heavy periods and fertility problems are further signs and symptoms. People with an underactive thyroid may also have stiffness of joints, muscular cramps, shortness of breath on exertion, and chest pain. Be … Continue Reading
