Complete Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

Several different forms of disease can affect one of the body's most important glands: the thyroid. This butterfly-shaped object in the neck regulates your metabolic rate. When it's not functioning properly, distressing symptoms will arise.

Conditions

• Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, most often affects women over age 50. It upsets the balance and metabolic rate of the body as the thyroid gland fails to produce proper amounts of necessary hormones. In hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, excessive hormone is pumped through the system.

Hypothyroidism

• According to the Mayo Clinic, "You may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and sluggishness, or you may simply attribute them to getting older." Other symptoms are high blood cholesterol, hoarse voice, puffy face, pale or dry skin, constipation, weight gain, depression and dry hair or finger nails.

Hyperthyroidism

• The Hormone Foundation reports that women ages 20 to 40 are most often afflicted, although males are also susceptible. Symptoms include diarrhea, infertility, weight loss, trembling hands, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, irritability, abnormal menstruation, vision problems, sweating and inability to tolerate heat.

Nodules

• Nodules, lumps of cells that accumulate in the thyroid, are common and do not necessarily signal a thyroid disease. They are the first sign of potential cancer, but 95 percent are noncancerous. Symptoms rarely appear early on, but they may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or a "tickle" in the throat. Occasionally the lump may be felt or viewed through skin above the gland.

Hashimoto's/Grave's Disease

• Thyroid nodules are sometime early indicators of Hashimoto's disease or Grave's disease. Hashimoto's thyroiditis may progress to an underactive thyroid, while Grave's disease often worsens to an overactive thyroid.