Hypothyroidism symptoms: Changes in your voice could signal ‘extremely low’ thyroid levels
Hypothyroidism, which causes the body's functions to falter, can become deadly if left untreated. As the gland struggles to produce vital hormones, symptoms will become increasingly debilitating.
In hypothyroidism, the butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of the neck does not 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 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.
Dr. 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.