Symptoms of Thyroid Problems - Thyroid Disease Symptoms

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 hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

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 under active 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.