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:

• 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.