Symptoms of Thyroid Problems
 Thyroid disorders are fairly common, but due to the fact that their symptoms can be difficult to clearly identify, unfortunately many people may not even realize they are having a health problem, or that it's related to this gland. Even though thyroid issues tend to be hereditary, allowing for easy risk assessment, many people do not know which symptoms of thyroid problems they should be on the lookout for, which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Whether or not thyroid problems run in your family, you should be able to identify what and when symptoms warrant concern, since thyroid conditions are metabolic and will have an effect on your entire body.
Symptoms of thyroid problems include:
- Hyperthyroidism - This over activity of the thyroid results in heart palpitations, sweating, unexplained weight loss, sensitivity to heat, and muscle weakness.
- Grave's Disease - An autoimmune disease that is a leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Be on the lookout for symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism in conjunction with a toxic goiter (inflammation of the thyroid), bulging eyes, and flakey, peeling skin.
- Hypothyroidism - This under activity of the thyroid often results in unexplained weight gain, hair loss, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, and a low heart rate.
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis - An autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism, this condition is often marked by the same symptoms of hypothyroidism as well as depression, anxiety, high cholesterol, and memory loss.
These thyroid problems can wreak havoc on a person's health and quality of life, and if not properly diagnosed and treated can result in thyroid removal that will cause the need for hormone treatment for the rest of one's life. Thyroid disorders can affect people of all ages, including infants, so it is recommended that babies be tested for newborn thyroid problems as well as monitored through childhood, even if thyroid problems do not run in your family.
Consult with your doctor for more information on symptoms of thyroid problems and whether or not you and your family are at a high risk of developing these conditions and should e monitoring your thyroid health. |
