Thyroid Disease Symptoms and Signs
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Thyroid disease is a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over-
or under-function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an essential organ
for producing thyroid hormones, which maintain are body metabolism. The thyroid
gland is located in the front of the neck below the Adam's apple. Thyroid
disease can also sometimes lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck,
which can cause symptoms that are directly related to the increase in size of
the organ (such as difficulty swallowing and discomfort in front of the neck).
Just as the types of thyroid conditions can vary, so can the symptoms of
thyroid problems. Here, we have listed ten common symptoms of thyroid disease:
- Nervousness and tremor:
These symptoms, along with agitation, can signal
an overfunction of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
- Mental fogginess and poor concentration: Mental functioning can be
affected in both hyperthyroidism (elevated levels of thyroid hormone) and
hypothyroidism (too low levels of thyroid hormones). While sluggishness and
depressed mood are often associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can
also lead to a reduced capacity for concentration.
- Menstrual changes: Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with
excessive
or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while hyperthyroidism can be characterized by
scanty or reduced menstrual flow.
- Feeling bloated: Fluid retention is often a sign of an underactive thyroid
gland.
- Racing heartbeat: An increased heart rate (tachycardia) and
palpitations
can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Aches and pains: Muscle aches and pain can accompany different types of
thyroid problems.
- Weight gain: A modest amount of
weight gain often accompanies conditions
in which thyroid gland activity is lower than normal.
- High cholesterol levels: An
increase in blood cholesterol levels can occur
in individuals with hypothyroidism.
- Heat intolerance: People with an overactive thyroid gland often complain
of intolerance to higher temperatures.
- Feeling cold: Conversely, those with an underfunctioning thyroid may feel
constantly cold.
It is important to remember that none of these symptoms is absolutely
specific for thyroid disease. All of them may be caused by a number of different
conditions and normal states. Your health care professional can order laboratory
tests to evaluate the function of your thyroid gland if you have troubling
symptoms.
REFERENCE: eMedicine.com. Thyroid disease.
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1172273-overview>
Last Editorial Review: 11/22/2010