Hypothyroidism symptoms: Changes in your voice could signal ‘extremely low' thyroid levels
n hypothyroidism, the butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck does produce enough thyroid hormones. This causes slowing of the metabolism, which is characterised by tiredness, brain fog and weight gain. If low levels are left uncorrected for too long, changes may also occur in a person's voice.
Voice characteristics in patients with hypothyroidism were explored in one study published in the Eurasian Journal of Medicine in 2019.
The researchers found that hypothyroidism can cause notably notable voice changes, such as low voice, roughness, reduced range and vocal fatigue.
Dysphonia, on the other hand, can be caused by excessive thyroid hormone production or hyperthyroidism, found the researchers.
Doctor Reena Gupta, director of the Division of Voice and Laryngology at the Osborne Head and Neck Institute, broke down some of the reasons the body experiences these changes.
The expert explained: "The thyroid gland serves an extremely important role in the body.
"Thyroid hormones are responsible for the body's homeostasis, the body's basic functioning, including the metabolic rate, heart and digestive function and muscle control.
"As such, disorders of hormone production can affect all the systems in the body. The thyroid can also compress or invade nearby structures when it enlarges or has growths within it".
If thyroid issues are the cause of vocal changes, the onset of a hoarse voice is likely to be slow and gradual.
According to the website Thyroid Symptoms, this often leaves sufferers with a vocal quality that is often described as "shaky".
"When thyroid hormone levels are extremely low and uncorrected, the vocal folds may develop a thickening of the vibrating layer," adds doctor Gupta.
"This is called myxoedema and can occur in other areas of the body as well. Myxoedema is a gelatinous thickening of the vocal folds, which causes a harsh, 'smoker's voice'".
Who's at risk of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be caused by Hashimoto's disease, which occurs when the body's immune system comes under attack.
People who are older than 60 or who have a family history of thyroid disease, are also at an increased risk of hypothyroidism.
Unfortunately, apart from avoiding modifiable risk factors, there is no way to avert the condition.
People who may have a higher risk of thyroid issues would benefit from regular checkups by their doctor, in case they need additional iodine.
Spotting the symptoms of an under-active thyroid early will also lower the impact the condition has on a person's life.
Besides voice changes, other symptoms to expect are:
- A puffy face
- Sensitivity to col
- Constipation
- Slowed heart rate
- Memory decline.
Standard treatment for hypothyroidism, in the form of synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, can help ease these symptoms.
The drug is best absorbed on an empty stomach at the same time every day, ideally an hour before eating or taking other medications.
Loading up on rich vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats may also help improve energy levels and help patients achieve a healthy weight.
Reference: Daily Express: Solen Le Net
No thoughts on “Hypothyroidism symptoms: Changes in your voice could signal ‘extremely low' thyroid levels”
Articles - Most Read
- Home
- LIVER DIS-EASE AND GALL BLADDER DIS-EASE
- Contacts
- African Wholistics - Medicines, Machines and Ignorance
- African Holistics - Seduced by Ignorance and Research
- African Wholistics -The Overlooked Revolution
- The Children of the Sun-3
- Kidney Stones-African Holistic Health
- PART ONE: DIS-EASE TREATMENT AND HEALTH-3
- 'Tortured' and shackled pupils freed from Nigerian Islamic school
- The Serpent and the RainBow-The Jaguar - 2
- PART ONE: DIS-EASE TREATMENT AND HEALTH-2
- PART ONE: DIS-EASE TREATMENT AND HEALTH-4
- PART ONE: DIS-EASE TREATMENT AND HEALTH-5
- King Leopold's Ghost - Introduction
- African Wholistics - Medicine
- Menopause
- PART ONE: DIS-EASE TREATMENT AND HEALTH-6
- The Mystery System
- The Black Pharaohs Nubian Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
Who's On Line?
We have 111 guests and no members online
Ad Agency Remote
Articles - Latest
- Do Yams Have Carbohydrates?
- Cardiac-a-vest! Remarkable garment could save lives by predicting heart attack risk
- Inflammation-Busting Foods: A Review by Nutrition Professionals
- Dermatologist's insight on shower frequency without harming skin
- Meat is crucial for human health, scientists warn
- How dangerous are interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs?
- The definitive guide to BMI, and how much you should really pay attention to it
- The nightly ritual that could improve memory and brain health, according to scientists
- Hyacinth Bean: How Nutritionists Rate Its Nutrients, Health Effects, And More
- Top healthiest fruits with anti-inflammatory properties
- Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms: How to spot the signs in your feet
- Dehydration may be as bad 'as smoking' for veins - how much water you need to avoid stroke
- Winter Squash: A Superfood Or Not? Nutrition Professionals Weigh In, With Serving Tips And Health Risks
- Why The Nutrition Professionals Love Winter Melon, Nutritional Benefits And Serving Size Guidelines
- Lesser-known lung cancer symptom in arm or shoulder that can't be ignored
- HIV breakthrough as new technology removes all traces of virus from infected cells
- Seven fruits for diabetics to avoid that can increase blood sugar spike risk
- Top 7 Uses and Benefits of Dead Nettle Plants
- 6 physical symptoms of anxiety you shouldn’t ignore, according to experts