What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. This gland, located in the front of the neck, produces two essential hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating your body’s metabolism, energy production, and the functioning of organs and tissues. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient T4 and T3 hormones, leading to a slowdown of your metabolism. This can result in imbalances in the body’s functions, affecting overall health and well-being [1].
What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism has several causes. The most common cause is Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your thyroid [2, 3, 4]. Other causes include thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), congenital hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism present at birth), surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid, radiation treatment of the thyroid, certain medicines, and in rare cases, pituitary disease or too much or too little iodine in your diet [2].
In some cases, hypothyroidism can also be a result of treatments for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid, both of which can result in hypothyroidism [4].
Insufficient dietary iodine, certain drugs, and viral thyroiditis are other possible causes of hypothyroidism [4]. In some cases, a woman might develop hypothyroidism after giving birth [4].
What are the Side Effects of Hypothyroidism?
If your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones (due to hypothyroidism), you may experience fatigue and constantly feel tired or lack energy [2, 5].
Weight gain is another predominant aspect often noted in hypothyroidism. It is due to the reduction of metabolic rate. It facilitates the proliferation of adipose tissue, increasing body weight [2, 5, 6].
Feeling cold is another symptom that can be experienced. This is due to a decrease in heat production by the body, leading to increased sensitivity to cold temperatures [2, 6].
Hypothyroidism can also lead to constipation, due to the slowing down of the body's metabolic processes [2, 6].
Dry skin, also known as xeroderma, is another side effect of hypothyroidism. This is due to changes in the skin's moisture levels caused by the condition [2, 6].
Thinning hair is another symptom that can be experienced. This is due to changes in hair growth and shedding patterns caused by the condition [2, 5].
Depression is another side effect of hypothyroidism. This is due to the impact of the condition on the body's hormonal balance, which can affect mood [2, 5].
Another symptom is a lower heart rate. This is because symptoms can affect heart function and can affect metabolic rate [2, 5].
Pain in joints and muscles is another side-effect of hypothyroidism, caused by the disorder’s effect on the muscular, and skeletal systems of the body [2].
After that, irregular periods could be another sign of hypothyroidism, because of the havoc it can cause on the body’s hormonal balance which, in turn, could affect periods [2].
Can Hypothyroidism cause rust-coloured stains on hands overnight?
Dry, coarse skin can be a result of hypothyroidism, as can textural changes [7, 8, 9]. Hypothyroidism has been associated with hyperpigmentation – where patches of skin become darker than normal – in some people [10], though rust-coloured stains are not common.
Additionally, these lesions caused by hypothyroidism were reported in some patients but appeared as areas of thickened epidermis with severe hyperkeratosis, not a rust-coloured stain [11]. Other diseases of the skin associated with hypothyroidism are chronic urticaria [12], vitiligo, and diffuse alopecia.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism can cause numerous skin changes, but not rust-coloured stains on hands overnight. So if you experience this symptom, your doctor might provide the typical standard advice.