It’s January which means the holidays have come and gone. It is also a great time to understand hypothyroidism and whether or not medication is right for you. Maybe you enjoyed the culinary delights of Christmas or drank a few extra glasses of champagne at New Years, and now you have gained a few extra pounds. But the holiday foods may not be to blame. The extra weight may indicate something much more serious. It could be a symptom of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism commonly affects senior women, and the symptoms can be so subtle that sufferers ignore them or attribute them to other conditions or lifestyle choices. But in reality, if the thyroid is not producing adequate amounts of metabolism hormones, supplemental hormones must be taken to stay healthy.
So, how do you know if you might have hypothyroidism? The only definite answer comes from a blood test. But if you have a few of the following symptoms, you may want to discuss the possibility of the condition with your physician.
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to cold environments
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Muscle weakness, stiffness, or soreness
- Pain, stiffness, or swelling of joints
- Thinning hair
- Impaired memory
Luckily, the condition is usually easily controlled through medication. But to get the medication you need, you need to know the symptoms and risks of hypothyroidism and get diagnosed quickly and correctly. Talk to your doctor and find out if you are suffering from hypothyroidism.
If you or someone you know is a senior living in their home alone, you may want to contact Freedom Home Care. We offer personalized in-home senior care and may be the perfect solution for you. Give us a call today!
