Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Gland Disorders

Thyroid disease affects millions of people and can negatively affect your quality of life. Often, symptoms of a thyroid disease can mimic other medical and psychological conditions, including depression, heart conditions or malnutrition, which can result in misdiagnosis. It is important to understand the specific symptoms of different thyroid disorders so that you can receive the proper treatment.

Signs of Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. According to the University of Michigan, hypothyroidism affects women more than men, and occurs in nearly 10 percent of the female population. Hypothyroidism can be effectively treated by taking a natural or synthetic thyroid hormone replacement. There are many symptoms that can indicate hypothyroidism. These include: dry skin, hair loss, slow heart rate, puffy skin, depression, fatigue, cold extremities, low body temperature, headaches, weight gain, blurred vision and weakness. If you notice that you exhibit many of these symptoms, consult your doctor.

Signs of Hyperthyroidism

• Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism can cause nervous problems, which can closely mimic anxiety disorders. Hyperthyroidism can be effectively treated by taking a thyroid hormone suppressant, which will help block the absorption of thyroid hormone in your body. Symptoms that could indicate hyperthyroidism include: clammy skin, excessive sweating, fast heart rate, bulging eyes, anxiety, heat intolerance, headaches, weight loss and heart palpitations. If you notice that you exhibit many of these symptoms, consult your doctor.

Signs of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis occurs when the thyroid fluctuates between producing too much and too little thyroid hormone. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to confuse the thyroid gland with a foreign body and begin to attack it with white blood cells. At first, the thyroid gland begins to produce too much thyroid hormone, which slowly overtaxes the thyroid gland and results in hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is typically treated with a natural or synthetic thyroid hormone replacement to slow down the destruction of the thyroid gland and treat the resulting hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis can include symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. If you notice that you exhibit many of these symptoms, consult your doctor.