The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroid disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain or loss, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
Thyroid disorders are relatively common, affecting an estimated 20 million Americans. The most common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Other common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroxine) and Graves’ disease (a type of autoimmune disorder that causes overproduction of thyroxine).
Most thyroid disorders can be effectively treated with medication. However, some people with milder forms of hypothyroidism may be able to manage their condition by making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
Nervousness is a common symptom of both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). People with an overactive thyroid may feel anxious or jittery all the time, even when there is no apparent reason for feeling this way. This can lead to difficulty sleeping, sweating, trembling and a rapid heartbeat. People with an underactive thyroid may also experience nervousness, but this is often more mild and may only occur during times of stress.
Anxiety is another common symptom of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. People with an overactive thyroid may feel anxious or stressed all the time, even when there is no apparent reason for feeling this way. This can lead to difficulty sleeping, sweating, trembling and a rapid heartbeat. People with an underactive thyroid may also experience anxiety but this is often more mild and may only occur during times of stress.
Irritability is a common symptom of both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). People with an overactive thyroid gland may feel impatient or short-tempered all the time while people who have an underactive gland tend to be more lethargic or depressed.
Hyperactivity you may find it hard to stay still and have a lot of nervous energy
A hyperactive thyroid can make you feel hot all the time, even when others are not. You may perspire more than normal and your heart rate may be faster than normal. You may also find it hard to stay still and have a lot of nervous energy.
Mood swings
The most common thyroid disorder is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and anxiety. Mood swings can also be a symptom of hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the gland produces too much hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include irritability, nervousness, and heat intolerance.
While mood swings can be a symptom of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, they are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism. This is likely because the symptoms of hypothyroidism develop slowly over time, whereas the symptoms of hyperthyroidism tend to come on suddenly. Regardless of the cause, though, mood swings can be a very difficult symptom to deal with. If you’re experiencing mood swings due to a thyroid disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treatment options so you can find relief from this frustrating symptom.”
Difficulty sleeping
It’s 3 a.m. and you’re wide awake. Again. You’ve been lying in bed for hours, trying to fall asleep, but it’s just not happening. You’re so tired you can’t even keep your eyes open, but somehow sleep just won’t come.
If this sounds familiar, you may be one of the millions of people who have difficulty sleeping. Difficulty sleeping can take many forms. For some people, it may be falling asleep that’s the problem. Others may wake up frequently during the night or early in the morning and be unable to get back to sleep (this is known as insomnia). Some people may sleep too much (this is called hypersomnia). And still others have a hard time staying awake during the day due to excessive fatigue (this is called narcolepsy).
There are many possible causes of difficulty sleeping. It could be due to an underlying medical condition such as asthma or heart disease. It might be caused by medications you are taking for other conditions such as high blood pressure or depression. Or it could simply be a result of stress or poor sleep habits.
Whatever the cause, if you’re having difficulty sleeping, it can take a toll on your health and wellbeing. It can make you feel irritable and depressed and can interfere with your ability to concentrate and function properly during the day. In severe cases, it can even lead to accidents. If you think you might have a problem with sleep, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits and get some much-needed rest!
Feeling tired all the time
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary from mild to severe and can include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, and muscle cramps. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so that he or she can test your thyroid hormone levels.
Treatment for hypothyroidism usually involves taking synthetic thyroxine (levothyroxine), which is the same as the hormone your thyroid gland would normally make. Taking levothyroxine will replace the missing thyroxine and help relieve your symptoms.
Sensitivity to heat
Sensitivity to heat is a common symptom of an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. When your thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, it can cause a number of changes in your body, including an increased metabolism and body temperature. This can make you feel very warm, even when others around you are not feeling the same way. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if you have an overactive thyroid.
Muscle weakness
There are many other potential causes of muscle weakness, so it’s important to see your doctor if you experience this symptom. Blood tests can help determine if an underactive or overactive thyroid is to blame. Treatment for muscle weakness caused by thyroid problems typically involves taking medication to correct the hormone imbalance.