Swelling in the Neck
A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.
Changes in Heart Rate
Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People with hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart, or other types of heart palpitations.
Changes in Energy or Mood
Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is another sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back once the thyroid disorder is treated.
Feeling Too Cold or Hot
Thyroid disorders can disrupt the ability to regulate body temperature. People with hypothyroidism may feel cold more often than usual. Hyperthyroidism tends to have the opposite effect, causing excessive sweating and an aversion to heat.
Menstrual changes
Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while hyperthyroidism can be characterized by scanty or reduced menstrual flow.Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause.If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit is menopause or a thyroid disorder — or a combination of the two.
If your body’s immune system causes thyroid disease, other glands, including your ovaries, may be involved. This can lead toearly menopause(before age 40).
When thyroid disease affects the menstrual cycle, it also affects ovulation. This can make itharder for you to get pregnant.
Problems during pregnancy can also create as a result of thyroid diseases.Thyroid problems during pregnancy can cause health problems for the mother and the baby.
Other symptoms
Hyperthyroidism
- Muscle weakness or trembling hands
- puffiness around the eyes, increased tears, sensitivity to light, or an intense stare
- Diarrhea or more bowel movements than normal
- increased appetite accompanied by weight loss
Hypothyroidism
- Dry skin and brittle nails
- Numbness or tingling in the hands
- Joint or muscle pain
- Constipation
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
References
http://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-thyroid-symptoms-and-solutions
http://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_disease_symptoms_and_signs/views.htm
