Despite being one of the most common medical conditions, it is not uncommon for Thyroid problems to go undiagnosed for lengthy periods of time. Symptoms are often onset gradually over time which can make them less obvious and difficult to detect. There are three different types of Thyroid problem, each with their own symptoms to look out for.

Hypothyroidism occurs due to a lack of the thyroxine hormone being produced by the thyroid gland. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, putting on weight, constantly feeling cold, constipation, concentration problems, dry skin and hair and heavy menstrual periods. In extreme cases you could develop myxedema which leads to drowsiness and extreme intolerance to cold – if these symptoms show then you need urgent medical treatment.

Hyperthyroidism is a different thyroid condition brought about when the body ‘over stimulates’ the thyroid, most commonly caused by Graves disease. Commons symptoms include ‘jitteriness’, quick heart beat, loss of weight, tiredness, increased bowel movements and shortened menstrual periods. In more serious cases an extreme symptom which can develop is thyrotoxic crisis which involves rapid pulse, heightened fever and delirium. Obviously in such cases urgent medical attention is required.

The third Thyroid complaint relates to thyroid nodules which are fairly common and more often than not completely harmless. In most cases nodules do not come with any symptoms but could cause pain in the local area.

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This entry was posted on Friday, July 10th, 2009 at 8:33 am and is filed under General Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.