Thyroid Symptoms

One of the important glands of the body is thyroid. This gland is responsible for production of some essential hormones in the body. It is located in the neck on the front part just below the thyroid cartilage which is also known as Adam's Apple. The shape of thyroid gland is like a butterfly. The hormones produced by it are Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate the metabolism of the body. Also many functions of the body are dependent on these hormones.

Any change in the normal level of thyroid hormones in the body leads to development of various thyroid symptoms which then needs to be treated accordingly to resume the normal functions. The release of these thyroid hormones is controlled by cumulative effect of hypothalamus, pituitary gland and thyroid gland. Initially, Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) is released by hypothalamus in brain which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in blood. This hormone then, moves to the thyroid gland and stimulates it to produce two hormones namely T3 and T4.

Whenever the production of thyroid hormones is less than the normal, the person is said to have Hypothyroidism. There are some causes like presence of antithyroid antibodies, Hashimoto's thyroiditis etc which lead to development of thyroid symptoms in such people. Sometimes, it can even be caused during the treatment of hyperthyroidism in which thyroid tissue is either removed surgically or through radioactive material. In some children, hypothyroidism condition is present right from the birth.

The common thyroid symptoms which are seen in case of hypothyroidism are weight gain, feeling of sleepiness all the time, constipation, cramps in all the muscles of the body, fatigue, pain in the various parts of the body, leg swelling, lowered concentration, depressive feeling, intolerance to cold, hair becomes coarse and dry, dryness of skin and increased levels of cholesterol. There may be puffiness around the eyes of the person and he/she may show increase in the body temperature. In more severe condition, the person may even show myxedema coma which is the loss of the functions of brain.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which thyroid gland is overactive and produces thyroid hormones more than the normal level. The common causes which leads to production of thyroid symptoms in case of hyperthyroidism are Grave's disease, thyroiditis, toxic multinodular goiter, increased intake of iodine and pituitary adenoma. Sometimes, a patient of heart disease can also have hyperthyroidism if he is on medicines like amiodarone. This leads to development of drug-induced hyperthyroidism.

In a typical case of hyperthyroidism, the common thyroid symptoms which are observed are fine tremors, increased sweating, increased frequency of passing stool, loss of weight, nervousness, fatigue, lowered concentration, intolerance to heat, fatigue and rapid heart rate. Some females may even complain of changes in menstrual cycle. It may be irregular and the menstrual flow may become scanty. It is very important to treat this as soon as possible because untreated cases can lead to a dangerous condition known as "thyroid storm".

Thyroid Nodules are lumps in the thyroid gland which are mostly benign. These are present mainly in old age. Most of them does not cause any thyroid symptoms and are detected by the physician during the routine examination of the neck. Sometimes, some symptoms may be present like hoarseness of voice, feeling of lump present in the neck, difficulty in swallowing etc. In some cases, lump is visual from outside as a swelling in the neck. These lumps are often tested for malignancy.

Goiter is another thyroid problem which is referred to as enlargement of thyroid gland which is seen as large swelling of neck. It is mainly caused due to deficiency of iodine in the body. It mainly occurs due to poor intake of iodine in food. The common symptoms observed in this condition are hoarseness, tightness feeling in throat, frequent coughing, difficult in breathing and swallowing.