Endocrine SystemThyroid and Parathyroid Glands |
What are some common symptoms of hypothyroidism? |
Hypothyroidism is caused by a lack of thyroid hormone. In general, the metabolism is slower and fatigue is common. Other symptoms include feeling cold, having dry skin and hair, constipation, weight gain, muscle cramps, and increased menstrual flow. These symptoms may be cured by administering a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.

A man suffering from a goiter, or enlarged thyroid. (From Rubin, E., Essential Pathology. 3rd Ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2000.)