Nursing Diagnosis Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones for the body’s needs. The clinical definition of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones for the body’s needs. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include, but are not limited to: Low body temperature Cold intolerance Fatigue Lethargy Puffy face Hoarse voice Dry skin and hair Muscle cramps and aches in legs
Nursing Diagnosis Hypothyroidism
1 The clinical definition of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones for the body’s needs.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that results in an underactive thyroid gland. Unlike hyperthyroidism, which means overactivity of the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism is a result of low levels of hormones produced by this organ. Thyroid hormones regulate how fast your body’s cells work and how they grow and change.
The clinical definition of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones for the body’s needs (1). Symptoms can include fatigue (tiredness), weight gain, constipation and brittle nails that break easily. Hypothyroidism can cause these symptoms because it slows down metabolism—the rate at which food turns into energy within cells—and slows development during puberty (2).
If you have any signs or symptoms that seem out of place for you or last longer than expected after taking time off from work due to illness/ injury/etc., contact your healthcare provider immediately!
2 Symptoms of hypothyroidism include, but are not limited to:
- Symptoms of hypothyroidism include, but are not limited to:
- Low body temperature
- Cold intolerance
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Puffy face and eyes (looks like you’ve been crying)
- Hoarse voice (usually comes with the puffiness)
Symptoms can also present themselves as depression or anxiety. You may feel listless or apathetic, even when you’re not experiencing physical symptoms.
3 Low body temperature
- Low body temperature is a symptom of hypothyroidism.
- The lowest temperature can be measured in the morning, before you get out of bed.
- Hypothyroidism can cause low body temperature by slowing down your metabolism and decreasing the amount of hormones released by your thyroid gland.
- Other conditions may also cause low body temperatures, such as fever or infections like pneumonia or influenza.
4 Cold intolerance
Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Your body’s temperature regulation system relies heavily on thyroid hormones to regulate your metabolism and keep it in balance. When you don’t produce enough thyroid hormone, your body can’t maintain its preferred internal temperature, and you may feel cold even when the room temperature is comfortable for others. This can lead to difficulty in maintaining energy levels as well as an increased risk of infection because the immune system performs poorly under these conditions.
If you’re experiencing cold intolerance along with other symptoms like fatigue, constipation or dry skin but haven’t been diagnosed with hypothyroidism yet, speak with your doctor about what steps they’ll take next to determine if there’s an underlying medical condition causing these problems so that treatment can begin early on before more serious complications arise from prolonged untreated symptoms like impaired mental function which can cause memory loss or dementia later into life
5 Fatigue
- Fatigue is the most common symptom of hypothyroidism and is reported by up to 80% of patients with this condition.
- Fatigue is a subjective feeling of exhaustion, but unlike other symptoms, it does not reflect a specific disease process or physical finding.
- Fatigue can be caused by many factors such as stress, depression and sleep deprivation.
6 Lethargy
Lethargy is a feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. It can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, depression, or other health conditions.
7 Puffy face
- Puffy face.
- Puffy eyes.
- Puffy hands and feet.
- Puffy abdomen, neck, and chest.
8 Hoarse voice
Hoarseness is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, caused by swelling of the vocal cords. It’s often worse in the morning and during winter months. Symptoms may be mild or severe, but often go away quickly once your hormone levels return to normal.
9 Dry skin and hair
- Dry skin
- Dry hair
10 Muscle cramps and aches in legs
Muscle cramps and aches are common symptoms of hypothyroidism that occur in the legs. It is believed that these symptoms occur because of a lack of oxygen to the muscles, causing inflammation and aches. They can also be caused by other health conditions such as diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Closing
The bottom line is that if you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to get tested for hypothyroidism. If you do, your doctor will prescribe a medication called Levothyroxine, which replaces the missing hormone in the body and can help relieve symptoms.