Hypothyroidism is often difficult to detect since it has signs and symptoms that could be attributed to any number of problems. However hopefully the following list of common symptoms can help to throw some light on the condition for a clearer diagnosis and treatment plan

Adults and Elderly

Some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

• Feeling sluggish or tired
• Weakness
• Thin or course hair
• Brittle nails
• Yellow tinted skin
• Memory problems
• Low tolerance to cold
• Cold skin
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Constipation
• Irregular or heavy menstrual periods

Some symptoms of hypothyroidism that may be present though less common are:

• Muscle cramps and aches
• Swelling of the extremities
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland or goiter
• Slight weight gain
• Hoarseness

Infants and Children

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants and children can often be so mild that they are difficult to detect, and are commonly mistaken for other illnesses.

These symptoms may include:

• Poor performance in school
• Lack of concentration
• Goiter or swelling at the front base of the neck
• Scaling of the skin
• Difficulty or inability swallowing food
• Lack of appetite
• Behavioral problems
• Weight gain
• Slow growth

It is important to note that left undiagnosed and untreated, the symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants and children can lead to a lifetime of health problems and stunt physical growth. If the symptoms of hypothyroidism are treated within the first month of life the child will be able to develop normally.

Long Term Effects

Although the symptoms of hypothyroidism can disappear on their own over time, it is most likely that they will lead to loss of thyroid function and a lifetime of other physical diseases. These diseases include:

• Sleep apnea
• Fluid around the heart
• Risk of coronary artery disease
• High cholesterol and triglycerides

Who is at Risk

There are many physical and environmental factors that may increase your risk of developing the symptoms of hypothyroidism these may include and are not limited to:

Family history: the symptoms of hypothyroidism may be genetic, it is important to discuss your family medical history with your physician.

Age: Symptoms of hypothyroidism are more likely to occur in the elderly.

Medications: Some medications can interfere with the thyroid gland.

Other factors: Diabetes or autoimmune disease may contribute to the onset of symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Call your Doctor

Call your doctor or emergency medical officials immediately if you experience any of these more severe symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Confusion, psychosis, or rapid mental deterioration
• Extreme weakness
• Loss of consciousness

Author: Jane Jack Collins

Do you want to manage hypothyroidism more effectively? Learn More about hypothyroid diet and ways to manage hypothyroidism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Jack_Collins

Technorati Tags: common, diagnosis, health, hypothyroidism, problems, signs, symptoms, thyroid function, treat

You can find the thyroid gland at the front part of the neck just below the Adam’s apple and it is this gland that produces thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate the body’s metabolism

The thyroid is one of those organs that are crucial for regulating life sustaining processes in the human body. Therefore, any kind of thyroid problem can cause a number of severe disorders. This article is mainly a discussion about the symptoms of thyroid problems.

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ located below the voice box.

It regulates metabolism by secreting three hormones, known as tri-iodothyronine or T3, thyroxine or T4 and calcitonin.

It is responsible for determining the rate of metabolism or conversion of food into energy. The secretion of thyroid hormones, in turn, is controlled by two glands, known as the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

TRH and TSH

The hypothalamus releases a hormone, known as thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH. This TSH hormone stimulates and regulates the secretion of thyroid hormones. Any problem with the thyroid gland, hypothalamus and pituitary gland can break the coordination among these three organs and can result in either an overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones.

Symptoms of Thyroid Problems
Some of the common thyroid problems are:

• hypothyroidism

• hyperthyroidism

• thyroid nodules and

• cancer.

Here is an account of the symptoms of thyroid problems.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism or the low level of thyroid hormones in blood, can be a result of an underactive thyroid gland, inborn defect with the gland, certain medication and autoimmune disorders, where the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism causes an overall slowdown of the metabolic activities and produces symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, low blood pressure, constipation, fluid retention, depression and slow reflexes. A common autoimmune thyroid disease is Hashimoto’s disease, which is one of the important causes of hypothyroidism. The symptoms of this disease often resemble those of hypothyroidism and it is more common in middle-aged women.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Another common thyroid problem is hyperthyroidism, which is the opposite of hypothyroidism. It is characterized by an excessive secretion of thyroid hormones and the resultant rapid rate of metabolism. It often produces symptoms like rapid heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, weight loss, high blood pressure, bulging of the eyes and vision disturbances. An excessive production of thyroid hormones can be caused by an over stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin, as in the case of Grave’s disease. Other than Grave’s disease, hyperthyroidism can also be caused by goiter, tumor in the pituitary gland and medications.

Symptoms of Goiter

Goiter is generally caused by a deficiency of iodine, though many times, it can result from Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease, error in thyroid hormone synthesis and thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland). The most common symptom of goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. Sometimes, the enlargement can take place to such an extent that it appears as a large swollen lump in the neck. Other symptoms include problems in swallowing and breathing.

Symptoms of Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis can be described as an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infection by virus or bacteria and some drugs. There are several types of thyroiditis, which can produce many symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, depression and constipation. Thyroiditis can also produce hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules and Cancer

Development of nodules in the thyroid gland is quite common. But most of these nodules are benign or non-cancerous and do not produce any symptom. Some of them are associated with symptoms like pain or pressure in the neck, difficulty while swallowing and hoarseness. Sometimes, symptoms of nodules can fluctuate between the common thyroid disease symptoms caused by either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Development of a lump in the neck along with a change in voice, are the common symptoms of thyroid cancer. Gradually, a person may experience difficulty in swallowing and breathing. But in many instances, thyroid cancer may not show any symptom.

Thyroid problems are usually diagnosed with the help of a blood test, thyroid scan, ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration.

The individuals who fall under the risk zones for thyroid problems are women, especially during pregnancy and also within one year after childbirth, individuals undergoing radioactive iodine treatment or thyroid surgery, older individuals (more than 50 years), smokers (both current and former), radiation exposure, family history and over consumption of certain foods like soy, Brussels sprouts, turnips and cauliflower. A proper monitoring of the symptoms of thyroid problems can help in early diagnosis and treatment of any type of thyroid disease.

By Chandramita Bora

Here is a collection of other thyroid related blog posts you may find useful

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Before being diagnosed with a thyroid disorder I didn’t realize how many parts of the body could be affected by the thyroid. 

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Thyroid Disorder Symptoms | Hormone Imbalance and Hair Loss Treatments

Thyroid dysfunction symptoms include excessive weight gain, hair loss, and fatigue. For hormonal imbalance treatment and control vitamin rich diet consumption is beneficial.  

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