30+ Symptoms and Signs of Thyroid Disorder

Thyroid disease is a widespread occurrence in today’s time. It can result from conditions responsible for causing over or under-functioning the thyroid gland. Recent reports state that over 30 million Americans have thyroid disorders, and almost 15 million are silent sufferers who are undiagnosed. The thyroid can become a health issue due to several reasons. These include genetics, autoimmune attacks, stress, various nutritional deficiencies, or environmental toxins. But unfortunately, most medical experts find it challenging to diagnose the disorder because the thyroid hormones have a far reach in the body (from the brain to the bowels).

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone in a large quantity.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland does not function properly or functions sufficiently, causing it to produce reduced thyroid hormone levels. 

Sometimes, both benign and malignant tumors can cause enlargement of the thyroid gland or nodules situated within the gland.

Hyperthyroidism

It is an overactive thyroid that can be caused by a condition known as ‘Graves’ disease’. It is the inflammation of the thyroid gland or caused by tumors that secrete thyroid hormones.

?The common symptoms and signs of it include:

• Muscle weakness
• Constantly thirsty
• Sensitivity to heat
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• Nervousness, anxiety, and irritability
• Fatigue
• Reduces sex drive
• Diarrhea
• Unable to stay still
• Twitching or trembling
• Excessive sweating
• Loose nails
• Occurrence of hives
• Hair loss
• Weight loss
• Irregular heart rate
• Swelling in the neck
• Red palms
• Various eye problems such as redness

Hypothyroidism

It is a deficiency of thyroid hormone, which is made by the thyroid gland. This gland has a butterfly shape and is located in front of the neck.

The common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hoarseness
• Muscle weakness
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Muscle aches
• Slower heart rate
• Depression
• Impaired memory
• Enlarged thyroid gland (Goiter)
• Elevated cholesterol level
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Aches or stiffness in joints
• Face turning puffy or fluid retention
• Irregular menstrual cycle

Thyroid Nodule (Cancer)

According to recent research, the lumps in the thyroid gland are non-cancerous in over 90% of cases. However, the thyroid nodules can be formed due to some of the conditions listed previously. This can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Most thyroid nodules do not cause any signs and symptoms. However, some nodules tend to become so large that they can:

• Be felt
• Be visible (as a swelling or bump at the lower section of the neck)
• Press on the windpipe or esophagus, which can cause shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing

In other cases, these nodules produce additional thyroxine, which can cause symptoms of excessive production of thyroid hormones such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Increase in sweat levels
• Tremors
• Constantly feeling nervous
• Irregular heartbeat

A few thyroid nodules are cancerous. However, determining which nodules are cancerous cannot be done by evaluating the symptoms alone.

If you are suffering from thyroid disorders, please visit us at the 8-2-8 Urgent Care Clinic in Oceanside.  We are open every day from 8 am to 8 pm.