If you notice some of the signs and symptoms listed below, you may have thyroid disease. These include goiter and hyperthyroidism. You should contact your doctor to rule out other conditions and get diagnosed. However, if you are not sure that you have thyroid trouble, read on to learn more about the symptoms and signs of these conditions.
Hyperthyroidism
If you suspect that you might have hyperthyroidism, there are several signs and symptoms to look for. First of all, your heart rate might be elevated. This is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, which is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Your heart rate should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but if it’s over 80, you may need to talk to your doctor immediately.
Another sign that you may be suffering from hyperthyroidism is unexplained weight loss. Thyroid hormones regulate the rate of use of carbs and fat in your body. They also regulate your body temperature, heart rate, and calcium levels in the blood. In most cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can lead to many serious complications. This disease can put a person at risk for heart disease and can increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. A person with this condition may also develop slowed mental functioning. In addition, long-term uncontrolled hypothyroidism can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which can cause numbness or pain in the limbs.
A doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism through a routine blood test. The condition is often accompanied by signs such as depression, thinning hair, and fatigue. In severe cases, hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease, infertility, birth defects, and even death. Once diagnosed, hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid-replacement medication, such as levothyroxine. The patient’s blood level is monitored to ensure that the medication is working effectively.
Iatrogenic hypothyroidism
When the thyroid is underactive or overactive, a person may experience a variety of signs and symptoms. A physical exam and a thyroid function test can reveal the problem. Blood tests can also be used to determine whether the thyroid is producing enough hormones. A doctor may also order an imaging test to look for thyroid nodules. These problems are usually not life threatening, but they may cause discomfort. If the symptoms become bothersome, treatment can be necessary. For example, if you have hyperthyroidism, you may need to damage your thyroid, and if you have hypothyroidism, you may need to take supplemental thyroid hormone.
Other signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include soreness throughout the body, dry skin and hair, and increased cholesterol levels. You may also experience weight gain and irregular menstrual periods.
Goiter
Thyroid disorders are often linked to iodine deficiency and are more common in women than in men. However, there are other causes of goiter, such as autoimmune disorders or thyroiditis. Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in an overactive thyroid. In addition to thyroiditis, smoking and other factors that affect iodine absorption can lead to goiter.
A comprehensive ultrasound examination can be used to diagnose a thyroid goiter. Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to view the thyroid gland and neck lymph nodes. This helps doctors ensure that biopsy samples are taken from the correct area.
Undiagnosed thyroid disease
The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the functions of many of your body’s systems. You may experience various symptoms depending on whether your thyroid is overactive or underactive, and it is important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Muscle and joint pain is another symptom of overactivity of the thyroid. Often the legs and upper arms are the most affected. In addition, you may feel weak or achy all over. An overactive thyroid may also lead to fibromyalgia-like pain. Moreover, you may experience pain in your feet and shins.
While some thyroid symptoms can be chalked up to other conditions, such as stress and lack of sleep, others may indicate thyroid issues. Your doctor can perform lab tests and imaging to diagnose thyroid issues. You may even need a biopsy to determine whether your thyroid is malfunctioning.
