The thyroid produces several hormones which act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth, development and body temperature. When a thyroid condition exists which either inhibits or overly promotes the release of thyroid hormones, a variety of symptoms may be present from mild to severe.
Thyroid Disease Symptoms
Many people ask – what are the symptoms of problems with thyroid? Well, the two best-known thyroid conditions are Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) and the symptoms of these are at opposite end of the scale – see below. Other thyroid conditions exist such as; Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules and goiter and these all have differing thyroid disease symptoms.
Common Thyroid Symptoms
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss are two of the most common thyroid disease symptoms, along with thinning hair, feeling either hot or cold all the time and constipation or frequent bowel movements.
Less Common Thyroid Symptoms
Often symptoms may occur which are seemingly unrelated to thyroid disease. These include joint swelling or puffiness and conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome. Another symptom of a problem with thyroid is constipation which can be a condition in people with hypothyroidism. Failure to conceive or miscarriage in the first trimester can also indicate thyroid disease. Patients with
hypothyroidism may have high blood levels of LDL cholesterol, the so-called “bad” cholesterol.
Symptoms of Overactive Thyroid or Hyperthyroidism
Thisthyroid condition occurs when an excess of T3 and T4 speeds up the body’s metabolism and, if the mild condition is left untreated it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Weight loss, despite eating a good amount of food
- Increased appetite
- Rapid pounding of the heart
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep
- Increased sweating
- More frequent bowel movements
- Less frequent menstrual periods with lighter than normal menstrual flow
Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid or Hypothyroidism
An under-production of thyroid hormones will slow down the body’s metabolism, causing Hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of this thyroid condition are:
- weight-gain despite eating sensibly
- feeling cold even in warm weather
- fatigue
- depression
- hair loss
- dry, flaky skin, especially on the face
- unexplained joint pain
Hashimoto’s Disease Symptoms
An enlarged thyroid, called a goiter, is often the first sign of disease although many people have this thyroid condition and experience no symptoms for years. The goiter may cause the front of the neck to look swollen. If large, it may cause a feeling of fullness in the throat or make it hard to swallow. For other symptoms of this thyroid condition – see under Hypothyroidism above.
Graves’ Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of this thyroid condition are the same as those listed under Hyperthyroidism above. However, Graves’ disease can also cause bulging or discomfort in the eyes when the tissue behind the eyes becomes inflamed and swells. In some instances it affects vision. Reddening and thickening of the skin can also occur, often on the shins and tops of the feet. This rare skin problem is not serious and is usually painless.
Thyroid Nodules Symptoms
Most thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms but some make too many thyroid hormones, causing hyperthyroidism. Sometimes, nodules get to be big enough to cause problems with swallowing or breathing.
Goiter Symptoms
Usually, the only symptom of this thyroid condition is a swelling in your neck but a large goiter can cause a tight feeling in your throat, coughing, or problems swallowing or breathing.
Thyroid Symptoms in Women
There is no difference in thyroid symptoms in women or men but women seem to be more susceptible to thyroid disease because they can produce excess estrogen which interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3.
Thyroid Cancer Symptoms
Often thyroid cancer does not present any symptoms. If you have a thyroid nodule, there is a small chance it may be thyroid cancer and your practitioner will perform tests to determine if the thyroid condition s cancer. Some people with thyroid cancer may have symptoms such as swelling in the neck, pain swallowing or a hoarse voice.
Thyroid Treatment if You Have Thyroid Disease Symptoms
LifeWorks Wellness Center is long recognized as one of the foremost natural health clinics in the US. At our Tampa Bay, Florida alternative medicine office we have been offering treatment for thyroid disease symptoms for a long time and many of our patients have benefitted from it. Our patients fly in from all over the world because they simply can’t find clinics offering treatment for thyroid disease symptoms and natural medicine for thyroid conditions where they live.
We have helped many patients regain their health and we would love to help you, too. To become a patient or for more information feel free to call our New Patient coordinator at (727) 466-6789 or simply submit an online web inquiry with your request.
Learn More About Your Thyroid
- Visit the main Thyroid Treatment portal page with videos, patient success stories & more.
- Contact the best thyroid doctor in the Clearwater & Tampa Florida area!
