The doctor called the symptoms of a lack of thyroid hormones

Feeling cold in only one limb is extremely rarely a symptom of hypothyroidism. Despite the popularity of this opinion, it is rather a myth. On September 9, Alexandra Fileva, an expert at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia how a lack of thyroid hormones disrupts the thermoregulation process and other symptoms of hypothyroidism.

"Hypothyroidism causes systemic disorders affecting the entire body, so in most cases patients feel chills throughout the body, not just in certain parts of it," she said.

If you complain of a constantly freezing one leg, the doctor should first rule out vascular pathology. The most likely causes include peripheral neuropathy (often associated with diabetes or vitamin deficiency), venous insufficiency, Raynaud's syndrome, or atherosclerosis. Often, similar symptoms occur with neurological disorders, such as pinched nerves in the lumbar spine, which impairs blood supply to the limb. After excluding these conditions, it makes sense to examine the thyroid gland.

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The thyroid gland produces the hormones TK and T4, which affect many processes, including metabolic rate and body temperature regulation. With hypothyroidism, the gland cannot produce the right amount of these hormones.

"At the very beginning of the development of the disease, the symptoms include only fatigue, which can easily be attributed to the effects of stress and age. But as hypothyroidism progresses, it affects all body systems. The lack of hormones T3 and T4 slows down the basic metabolism: cells produce less energy, which reduces heat production," explained Fileva.

In parallel, peripheral microcirculation is disrupted — the capillaries narrow, reducing blood flow to the skin and extremities. A neuro-reflex component is also added: hypothyroidism is often accompanied by autonomic dysfunction, which distorts the perception of heat and cold. It is important to consult a doctor and find out the cause of hypothyroidism. If the disease is not treated, it can lead to complications: infertility, heart failure, mental disorders, hypothyroid coma.

The classic symptoms of hypothyroidism are unmotivated weight gain, chronic fatigue, dry skin, puffiness of the face, hair loss and constipation. Chills are usually generalized — patients freeze as a whole, not in separate parts of the body. Accurate diagnosis requires a blood test to determine the level of TSH and free T4, as well as an analysis for antibodies to TPO. In addition, the doctor usually prescribes ultrasound of the thyroid gland. And if you feel chilly in only one limb, you should consult a therapist and a vascular surgeon.

On May 30, Tamila Agayeva, an endocrinologist at the Semeynaya clinic network, told Izvestia about the symptoms and treatment of hypothyroidism. Endocrine disease may not manifest itself for a long time. Usually, patients may complain of fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, hair loss, and decreased mood.

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