If you are experiencing certain thyroid dysfunction symptoms, such as gaining or losing weight, having trouble sleeping, feeling unusually fatigued, and having unusually strong sensitivity to heat or cold, it could point to a number of medical conditions.
For instance, these and other symptoms might indicate thyroid dysfunction in the form of hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone). In either case, thyroid disease can lead to other serious disorders, such as heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, goiter, infertility, birth defects, or even myxedema coma, if left undiagnosed and untreated.
How can you tell if you are suffering from thyroid dysfunction? Let’s start by examining the source of the possible problem.
What Is the Thyroid Gland and What Does It Do?
The thyroid gland is a small organ located in the front of the neck that plays a key role in various systems throughout your body. It makes hormones that help control vital functions of your body. One of these is your metabolism, the process in which food is taken into your body and transformed into energy that is used to keep many of your body’s systems working correctly.
When your thyroid doesn’t function properly, it can adversely affect your entire body. With an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) producing too much hormone, your body uses energy too quickly. That can not only make you tired, but also make your heart beat faster, cause you to lose weight, and make you feel nervous. With hypothyroidism, you produce too little thyroid hormone, making you feel fatigued, gain weight, and unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- Muscle weakness and tremors
- Sleep difficulties
- An enlarged thyroid gland
- Irregular menstrual periods or halted menstrual cycle
- Vision problems or eye irritation
Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Forgetfulness
- Frequent and heavy menstrual periods
- Dry and coarse hair
- Hoarse voice
Although thyroid dysfunction can affect anyone, it is five to eight times more likely to be diagnosed in women than men. Those who are at a higher risk of developing a thyroid condition include those who:
- Have a family history of thyroid disease
- Have a certain medical condition, such as pernicious anemia, Type 1 diabetes, primary adrenal insufficiency, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Are 60 years of age or older
- Take medication high in iodine
- Have had treatment for cancer or a previous thyroid condition
If you are at risk of developing a thyroid disorder and/or experience several of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to consult an endocrinologist for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Endocrinologist in Syracuse, New York
At SUNY: Upstate Medical University, we have a distinguished team of board-certified endocrinologists who diagnose and treat thyroid disorders.
Our endocrinologists evaluate and manage adults with thyroid abnormalities that include thyroid cancer, lipid disorders, osteoporosis, adrenal disease, pituitary tumors, parathyroid disorders, and metabolic bone diseases.
To learn more about our patient care services, click The Joslin Diabetes Center/Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism/SUNY Upstate Medical University.
For information about our clinical trials, click Clinical Trials/Upstate Patient Care/SUNY Upstate Medical University.
