Understanding Hypothyroidism

The body's control of the thyroid levels helps stabilize mood. Patients with hypothyroidism may experience symptoms of depression, restlessness and anxiety. Studies have also found that people with bipolar disorder often have abnormal thyroid function.

Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down.

There are a number of hypothyroidism symptoms, including cold intolerance, depression, fatigue, muscle pain, erectile dysfunction and constipation.

People who have hypothyroidism may experience sleep apnea. In people with hypothyroidism, sleep apnea results from an upper airway obstruction.

Hypothyroidism can be diagnosed with a TSH blood test, which stands for “Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.” If you have high levels of this hormone found in the blood, you may have hypothyroidism.