Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Information and Resources

Font Size
A
A
A

Understanding Thyroid Problems -- Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism , in which the body produces too many thyroid hormones, may include:

  • Weight loss, despite increased appetite
  • Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration
  • More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea
  • Muscle weakness, trembling hands
  • Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
  • Lighter or shorter menstrual periods

The symptoms of hypothyroidism, in which the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, may include:

Recommended Related to Thyroid Disorders

Graves' Disease

Important It is possible that the main title of the report Graves' Disease is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Read the Graves' Disease article > >

  • Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression
  • Reduced heart rate
  • Increased sensitivity to cold
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands
  • Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck)
  • Constipation, heavy menstrual periods or dry skin and hair

Subacute thyroiditis:

  • Mild to severe pain in the thyroid gland
  • The thyroid feels tender to the touch
  • Pain or discomfort when swallowing or turning your head
  • Appearance of these symptoms shortly after a viral infection, such as the flu, mumps, or measles

 

Call Your Doctor About Thyroid Problems If:

  • You are feverish, agitated, or delirious, and have a rapid pulse; you could be having a thyrotoxic crisis, a sudden and dangerous complication of hyperthyroidism.
  • You feel intensely cold, drowsy and lethargic; you could be experiencing a myxedema coma, a sudden and dangerous complication of hypothyroidism that can cause unconsciousness and possibly death.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by John A. Seibel, MD on April 24, 2012

Hot Topics

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

Click here to wach video: Michelle Obama’s Nutrition Tips for Moms

First Lady Michelle Obama shares tips on parenting with moms and other audience members in a WebMD Town Hall meeting in Miami, Florida.

Click here to watch video: Michelle Obama’s Nutrition Tips for Moms

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

puppy eating
What you need to know.
Ra Management Get A Personalized Report
Assess your symptoms.
Xray of foot highlighting gout
Causes, symptoms and treatments.
Concentration Killers Slideshow
What's robbing your focus?
brain scan
Recognizing symptoms.
group beer toast
Do you know your suds?
Diabetic tools
Symptoms, causes, treatments.
thumbnail for fatigue slideshow
Causes, fixes for fatigue.
thumbnail for Brain Food slideshow
Foods that can help you focus.
Hot cup of coffee
The facts about that cup of joe.
Wendy’s Chicken Club
Double-fisted diet wreckers.

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.