What are the symptoms of a thyroid disease?

How to spot the symptoms of thyroid disease and have it properly diagnosed. By Dr Cindy Pan.

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How to spot the symptoms of thyroid disease and have it properly diagnosed. By Dr Cindy Pan.

(Q) I have a family history of thyroid disease. What symptoms should I look for that indicate abnormal thyroid function and what tests should I have?

(A) Thyroid disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, as a result of either too much thyroid hormone production or too little.

The symptoms of overactive thyroid (excessive thyroid hormone) - known as hyperthyroidism - may include fast heart rate, tremors, a tendency to lose weight, heat intolerance, sweating, sleep difficulties, anxiety, irritability, agitation, changes in menstrual flow and regularity, as well as diarrhoea, increased appetite and difficulty in concentrating.

Underactive thyroid (inadequate thyroid hormone levels) - termed hypothyroidism - can cause symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, depressed mood, low energy levels, decreased heart rate, intolerance of cold temperatures; tired, achy muscles; dry, coarse skin; facial puffiness; constipation; hair loss and poor concentration.

It isn't generally possible to diagnose on the basis of symptoms alone, but the levels of thyroid hormone and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in your blood can be measured and analysed.

TSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary (a gland in the brain) which stimulates the thyroid gland (the gland below the Adam's apple) to produce thyroid hormone. When the thyroid is underactive, levels of TSH tend to be raised as the pituitary stimulates the thyroid to produce more hormone.

Conversely, when the thyroid is overactive and thyroid hormone levels are high, the TSH level tends to be low, as there is already enough circulating thyroid hormone.

Autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's and Graves' - the most common causes of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respectively - tend to run in families. Fortunately, thyroid conditions are eminently treatable.

Originally published on bodyandsoul.com.au