Thyroid Disease Symptoms

By Mary Sophia

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Does your energy level fluctuate between low and rock bottom? Are you spending a fortune on hair products after the shock of seeing how much you are losing after every shampoo? Do you go to bed unable to sleep and unwilling to indulge in any sex? Are you over-emotional even when you're not menstruating? Are you punishing yourself because you've put on a few extra kilos and can't put it down to just being a bit ‘bloated.’ Have you lost weight for no apparent reason and are you trying to banish the thought of how devastating the diagnosis might be? Are you feeling depressed? Well, these symptoms are among the most common symptoms of a THYROID Dysfunction.

The Thyroid Gland

The Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. This gland produces hormones that affect the metabolic processes in the body. Although there are thyroid conditions which can be more or less serious, and which can involve the total removal of the gland, the most common disorder is either Hypothyroidism (caused by an insufficient hormone production) or Hyperthyroidism (caused by an over-abundant hormone production).

If your body is not producting enough of the thyroid hormone your whole metabolism will slow down and you are likely to feel tired, feel the cold easily and put on weight and you might have symptoms of depression and notice that your skin is dry. The symptoms of too much thyroid hormone include nervousness, panic attacks, weight loss, chest pain, intestinal cramps and diarrhea.

Hard to Diagnose

Thyroid disease is very difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid can be so generalized that they may not even consider that they have a problem with their thyroid. Even doctors find it hard to diagnose. It's not uncommon for a family doctor to confuse the patient's symptoms with a reaction to stress, as s/he is normally aware of a patient's personal and family problems. Over-anxiety and even panic attacks in someone with Hyperthyroidism, and the misleading signs of depression in someone with Hypothyroidism, can so easily be attributed to situations of distress and anxiety for personal reasons. Unfortunately, psychotherapy or tranquilizers are not going to solve the problem or ease thyroid disease symptoms.

An Endocrinologist is the specialist who will determine the treatment, or the dosage of the hormonal medication, and thus help you get back in control of your own life.

The Associated Risks of Thyroid Disease

If untreated, Thyroid Dysfunctions may increase your risk to other health problems such as obesity, infertility, heart disease and depression. A Thyroid Dysfunction can affect both men and women, and can present itself in any stage of life. It would appear, however, that women who have reached the stage of menopause are particularly vulnerable. Menopause already brings it's own brand of discomfort, so let's not add to our problems.

If you feel inexplicably 'out of control' of your emotions and your life then take action! Go visit the Endocrinologist!

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