Common Symptoms of Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland is situated in the lowermost part of the frontal neck, near the windpipe. The shape of the thyroid gland is similar to that of a butterfly. There are three different types of hormones that are secreted by the thyroid gland. They are: thyroxine or T4, triiodothyronine or T3 and calcitonin. The main function of T4 and T3 hormones is to regulate the rate of the metabolic processes being carried out by the various cells in the body. The thyroid gland is under the control of the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. When the size of the thyroid gland increases, it is known as goiter. This is a very common symptom of any kind of thyroid disease. Apart from thyroid disease, goiter can also occur due to deficiency of iodine in the diet. Other signs and symptoms of thyroid problems vary according to the forms of thyroid disease. Here, the common symptoms of each thyroid disease have been discussed in detail.

Common Symptoms of Graves' Disease
This disease is also called toxic goiter. This is found more in women than in men. It happens because of the production of a large quantity of both types of thyroid hormones. The common symptoms of graves' disease include enlargement of thyroid gland or goiter, anxiety and irritation, itching in eyes, swollen eyes, breathing trouble and loss of strength in the muscles of arms and legs.

Common Symptoms of Hashimoto's Disease
The other name of this disease is chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. In this condition, the antibodies present in the immune system reduces the production of thyroid hormones. Mostly, it has been observed that this disease is hereditary and runs among the members of a family. The common symptoms of this thyroid disease include goiter, inability to tolerate cold, pain while swallowing, graying of hair at young age, irregularity in menstrual cycle, fatigueness, concentration problems and mental dullness.

Common Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
The presence of excessive thyroid hormones in the blood leads to this condition, known as hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Women in the age between 20 to 40 are mostly affected by this thyroid disease. The common symptoms of this thyroid disease are loss of weight, irregular heart beat, excessive sweating, trembling of hands, frequent occurrence of bowel movements or diarrhea, etc.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
This is one such thyroid disease where the level of thyroid hormones is low in the blood and this results in slowing down of the metabolic processes. This condition is referred to as hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. The common symptoms of this thyroid disease is tiredness, slow heart beat, weight gain, constipation and sensitivity towards cold.

Common Symptoms of Postpartum Thyroiditis
This is a thyroid disease that occurs due to the inflammation of the thyroid gland. It has two stages. One is the hyperthyroidism that occurs due to some damage in the thyroid gland. If this stage continues for some time and does not show any signs of improvement after medication, hypothyroidism may develop. Though it is rare and it affects around five percent of women after childbirth.

Common Symptoms of Thyroid Cancer
The small tumors formed inside the thyroid gland are known as thyroid nodules. Presence of such nodules in thyroid gland are quite common. More than ninety percent of these nodules do not cause cancer. In case any of the nodules turn cancerous it can be fatal. Strangely, thyroid cancer does not show any of the symptoms that are found in other thyroid diseases. The thyroid nodules that cause cancer are hard and can be detected by touch. It can be diagnosed in the course of examination of any thyroid disease.

Thyroid disease is harmful to health. If you observe any of the common symptoms of thyroid disease, you should consult the doctor immediately. A thyroid disease can be diagnosed by blood test, thyroid scan and ultrasound exam for pregnant women. Except for thyroid cancer, the treatment for thyroid diseases are quite simple.