Frequent symptoms
There is no single symptom or group of symptoms that can lead to a definitive diagnosis of hyper or hypothyroidism. Both can affect the same part or system of the body, but in different ways.
Weight changes
Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism:
- With hypothyroidism, you can gain weight and not lose it despite increasing exercise and reducing calories.
- If you have hyperthyroidism, you can lose weight if you eat normally or have difficulty maintaining weight despite your higher calorie intake.
However, keep in mind that you may be hypothyroid and losing weight, underweight, or unable to gain weight. Or you may have hyperthyroidism and cannot lose weight even with a healthy diet and exercise.
Temperature problems
Temperature sensitivity can be a symptom of both forms of thyroid disease:
- With hypothyroidism, cold intolerance can occur.
- With hyperthyroidism, you may feel hot and sweaty despite normal room temperature.
Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
People with thyroid problems often complain of trouble sleeping and general fatigue , which are only exacerbated by lack of sleep. Sometimes they can be so serious that they strongly affect daily life.
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You wake up exhausted even after eight or more hours of sleep.
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You sleep a long time.
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On the weekends, you have marathon sleep sessions.
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It is difficult for him to fall asleep.
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You wake up several times during the night.
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You have a fast heartbeat or anxiety before going to bed.
Mental health problems
Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders can be associated with thyroid problems:
- With hypothyroidism, you may have symptoms of depression or depression that do not respond to antidepressants.
- With hyperthyroidism, you may experience anxiety, panic disorder, or panic attacks.
Neck or throat discomfort / abnormalities
These symptoms can be associated with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland), and thyroid cancer.
- Feeling of swelling or fullness in the neck .
- Visibly enlarged neck
- Ear and jaw pain
- Discomfort when wearing turtlenecks or ties.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Tenderness in the neck
- Hoarse hoarse voice
Neck swelling is usually a sign of thyroid disease, but it can also indicate a more serious medical condition, including certain cancers, infections, or neurological conditions.
If your neck area is enlarged, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Changes in hair, skin and nails.
Hair , skin, and nails are vulnerable to thyroid hormone imbalances.
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Brittle, rough and dry hair
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Hair that breaks easily
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Hair loss, especially along the outer edge of the eyebrows.
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Thick, dry and flaky skin, especially on the heels / knees and elbows.
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Brittle, thin, or dull nails
Intestinal problems
The last thing you can think of when you have digestive problems is the thyroid gland, but gastrointestinal symptoms are common, amplifying the far-reaching effects of this important gland:
- With hypothyroidism, you may have severe or prolonged constipation that does not respond to treatment or medication.
- If you have hyperthyroidism, you may have diarrhea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome .
Menstrual irregularities and / or fertility problems.
Thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, can increase the risk of infertility , can interfere with successful assisted reproductive treatments, and can increase the likelihood of recurrent miscarriage. Menstrual irregularities are also common:
- With hypothyroidism, you may have heavier periods, painful periods, or a shorter time between periods.
- With hyperthyroidism, you may have shorter periods, lighter periods, infrequent periods, or your period may stop altogether.
Eye problems and vision changes.
Various symptoms and eye-related changes are common in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Graves' disease .
Common symptoms include:
- Dry eyes
- Gritty sensation in the eyes.
- Blurry vision
- Redness of the eyes
- Puffy, puffy, or watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Double vision
- Proptosis (bulging eyes) is one of the most common symptoms of Graves' disease.
- "Lag": when your upper eyelid does not follow the movement of your eyes smoothly when looking down.
Cognitive problems
Brain fog, a term used to describe a group of cognitive symptoms commonly used by both patients and healthcare professionals, is a specific symptom of hypothyroidism. Brain fog can include:
- Difficult to focus
- Short and long term memory problems
- I forget
- Lack of attention
- Feeling of “ stretched space ''
- Confusion
- Difficult thinking
Problems with the musculoskeletal system.
When you have hypothyroidism, you may experience muscle pain. and joints, especially in the arms and legs. Fibromyalgia -like pain is also common in people with an underactive thyroid. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience unusual pain or weakness in your forearms and calves.
Hypothyroidism also increases the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands, which can cause weakness and pain in the forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers. A similar condition, the tarsal tunnel, is also dangerous, causing weakness and pain in the legs, ankles, feet, and toes.
Pain is a common, but often overlooked, symptom of underlying thyroid conditions.
