HyrSelf Functional Medicine Ubiquitous Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Insulin Resistance

Ubiquitous Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance may be asymptomatic or occur presenting a variety of disorders, such as: glucose tolerance impairment, metabolic problems, as well as high cholesterol, high triglycerides, weight gain, and arterial hypertension (portal hypertension).1Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-6. High insulin levels can prevent the body from converting the inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to the active thyroid hormone (T3).2Vyakaranam S, Vanaparthy S, Nori S, Palarapu S, Bhongir AV. Study of Insulin Resistance in Subclinical Hypothyroidism. Int J Health Sci Res. 2014 Sep;4(9):147-153.,3Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-6. doi: 10.5603/EP.2014.0010. PMID: 24549605.,4Stanická S, Vondra K, Pelikánová T, Vlcek P, Hill M, Zamrazil V. Insulin sensitivity and counter-regulatory hormones in hypothyroidism and during thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2005;43(7):715-20.,5Kazukauskiene N, Podlipskyte A, Varoneckas G, Mickuviene N. Insulin Resistance in Association with Thyroid Function, Psychoemotional State, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 25;18(7):3388.,6Demetriou E, Fokou M, Frangos S, Papageorgis P, Economides PA, Economides A. Thyroid Nodules and Obesity. Life. 2023; 13(6):1292., Despite thyroid replacement therapy, insulin-mediated glucose uptake may remain impaired in individuals with insulin resistance.

Both Insulin Resistance and Hypothyroidism share common signs and symptoms, although they are considered distinct conditions, each with their own diagnosis code.  Here’s a list of some overlapping signs and symptoms:

  • Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy is common in both conditions.
  • Weight gain: Both insulin resistance and hypothyroidism can lead to unexplained weight gain.
  • Difficulty losing weight: Despite efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise, individuals with either condition may struggle to shed pounds.
  • Brain fog: Cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things may occur.
  • Dry skin: Skin may become dry and rough in both insulin resistance and hypothyroidism.
  • Hair changes: Thinning hair or hair loss can be seen in both conditions.
  • Irregular menstrual cycles: Women may experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles.
  • Mood changes: Both conditions can contribute to mood swings, depression, or irritability.
  • Cold intolerance: Feeling excessively cold, particularly in the hands and feet, may occur.
  • High cholesterol levels: Elevated cholesterol levels can be associated with both insulin resistance and hypothyroidism.
  • Elevated blood pressure: Both conditions can contribute to hypertension.
  • Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or other sleep disturbances may occur in individuals with either condition.
  • Increased hunger: Some individuals may experience increased hunger despite adequate food intake.
  • Muscle aches and weakness: Muscles may feel weak and achy in both conditions.
  • Slow wound healing: Wounds may take longer to heal in individuals with either insulin resistance or hypothyroidism.
Read More: Insulin Resistance

It’s important to note that while these signs and symptoms can overlap, a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

References

  • 1
    Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-6.
  • 2
    Vyakaranam S, Vanaparthy S, Nori S, Palarapu S, Bhongir AV. Study of Insulin Resistance in Subclinical Hypothyroidism. Int J Health Sci Res. 2014 Sep;4(9):147-153.
  • 3
    Gierach M, Gierach J, Junik R. Insulin resistance and thyroid disorders. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):70-6. doi: 10.5603/EP.2014.0010. PMID: 24549605.
  • 4
    Stanická S, Vondra K, Pelikánová T, Vlcek P, Hill M, Zamrazil V. Insulin sensitivity and counter-regulatory hormones in hypothyroidism and during thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2005;43(7):715-20.
  • 5
    Kazukauskiene N, Podlipskyte A, Varoneckas G, Mickuviene N. Insulin Resistance in Association with Thyroid Function, Psychoemotional State, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Mar 25;18(7):3388.
  • 6
    Demetriou E, Fokou M, Frangos S, Papageorgis P, Economides PA, Economides A. Thyroid Nodules and Obesity. Life. 2023; 13(6):1292.